False Self

Deflated —
By stripping in public
Selling what — really —
Fragments — of experience —
Few assertions
Clarifications
Deliberations —
Reflections
Constructed thoughts

A face, a name, borrowed titles —
What — really —
A promise —
Arrive at 9 AM
Stay until 5 PM
Five days a week
Week after week —
Follow procedures
Sit, talk, write

For some money
Wages —
But before that —
Perform — public stripping
Ritual dance
Woo, assert, convince, clarify —
So they — will buy you
Buy — you

Buy — your precious little life
Your entire waking day
Your attention — focus
Body — mind
Submission —
Your agreement —

Why —
O man — why
Must you be
So cheap —
So cheap