I don’t want a damn thing. I don’t need anything else
than I already have, a unique wealth of knowing I can live off what exists for me already;
I feel humble to know I’m not a have-not, I was born on a boat already sailing steady.
Most of us who can read this forget about all the others,
the fellow humans who starve, die, and have to run for cover.
First world problems are really just that, nothing
compared to titans like war, genocide, famine, drought,
that take the things away that we can’t live without.
Who really cares what car you drive, or shoes you wear?
None of it would matter if our water supply went dry,
or if military conflicts poisoned our air.
Material things are distractions – from the suffering around us, poverty elsewhere, and from truly knowing ourselves.
Our consciousness gets shelved, for bright screens, being encouraged to chase ‘American Dreams,’
and heads talking on TV about ‘what matters’, ringing soundless bells,
they hope that our attention is caught in their trap,
to chase wealth, keep our eyes on the backlit panes, and develop a preference for useless crap.
Desire none, and you’ll be doing better than most.
A welcome antidote to 21st century stresses; take back your consciousness,
deflect materialism, call out manipulation. Though it may take a while,
you’ll have peace of mind – less to worry about, a lighter soul, and a brighter smile. – RSM
Rubén Sebastián Muñiz | ∞ 