Why Are You So Negative?

The world wants to remind you

that the possibilities are endless

provided you have enough zeroes

at the end of your account balance

it's a different world for those

who are racing to keep pace

with the self-imposed mess 

that they've made of third place

a sea of stimulation

cacophonous white noise

no one can hear you screaming

over the sound of countless others

the signal that breaks through

is all roses and blessings

heroics and hard work

the promise of escape

a dozen rope ladders

soaked in kerosene

like a trap for bumbling burglars

(Only 90's Kids Remember)

go ahead and try to climb them

in fact, we demand it

lest you be seen as lazy

entitled

weak

just go ahead and claw your way up

on the backs of your friends

boot heels in faces

earn what you were told you could

and those who refuse to bend that way

to succeed at any cost

reach for the stars 

and come up empty handed

anything you put your mind to

as long as you work hard

harder than we did

anything you dream of

as long as your dreams are boring

and the career paths well-trod

all it takes is a fighting spirit

and a hundred thousand dollars

and years and years of desperation

Follow your dreams

straight to the pharmacy

for pills that make it hurt less

and wine to wash them down