the subtle fire
of discontent
mars the wonder
inherent in our
strained existence

we are raised
with the belief
despite all the
historical evidence
consciousness
equals purpose

fed tall tales
of larger than life
heroes born like us
guided by the hand of
divine providence

then we discover
this holy mission
is to become a cog
working from childhood
to an early grave
for someone else’s dream

an overblown sense
of entitlement
plus ingrained shame
leads to destructive
animals in khakis
bristling with discontent
over finding no grander
reason for existence
than any other of these
domesticated beasts
just anxiety loops
and objectifying
those things we were
taught were our birthright
all because of two thumbs
and an overabundance of ego

a bear does not lament
artificially created divinity
when the salmon run is light
it doesn’t rail against
an unfair system designed
to keep them struggling
a bear simply accepts
its place in the world
wanting no more than
to survive another winter