Poems from Rigors
by Gary
Beck
Job Bound
I work remotely
five days a week,
with overtime
when I can’t finish
my daily quota.
I keep getting phone calls
that I have to answer
for important problems
that I didn’t used to get
when I worked at the office
before Covid.
Too many distractions
interrupt the work day
and affect the performance
of my regular duties
to serve our clients.
I worry that my boss
won’t be happy
at interrupted tasks
because I need this job
to pay my bills,
so I’ll do my best
despite disruptions
to my employer’s time.
Product Placement
Many people buy art
for investment
and go through the pretense
of loving art
to fool their friends,
some of whom buy
for a different reason,
to show off their taste
hanging on their walls.
When art is an item
to only be acquired
by how much you can spend
it just resembles
commodities,
except proud owners
won’t display
pork bellies
for guest’s enjoyment.
Lessons
When I was a young man
unlike many people
I tasted luxury,
although most of my life
I lived in poverty.
I was fortunate to learn
before I pursued wealth
I did not need Picassos,
I did not need Warhols.
If the need arose
to look at art
I’d go to a museum.
When the rich purchase art
to aggrandize their lives,
they hang it on their walls,
but after a few days
they no longer notice
expensive acquisitions.
No matter how much we amass
some of us realize
possessions are ephemeral
and those who delude themselves
with accumulation of things
must leave everything behind
just like everyone else.
Resigned
Everything was simple
when I was younger.
I still liked cold weather
and just put on a sweater
unless it was freezing.
Now it takes longer
to get dressed to go out
and I don’t like the cold,
even when it’s not that cold.
I must accept how it is
no matter how unpleasant
reality has become
because there is no choice,
denial would breed bitterness
poisoning remaining days.
Alarm Bells
The safety of the world
is daily more dangerous,
North Korean missiles
flying over Japan,
the President of Russia
threatens nuclear weapons
to subdue the Ukraine,
extreme terrorist groups
export death and destruction
to the people of the West
especially America,
a blundering giant
growing emaciated
by raucous divisions
themed by lies and hatred
that dilute abilities
to solve our problems,
while lurking in the East
China watches our discord
and plans to replace us,
with our cooperation.
