I think there comes a time
in every thinking person’s mind
when they want to give up.
But giving up
is against the religion
of eternal growth and optimism
that defies physical laws
and got us into this predicament
with corresponding sentiment
that this cannot last —
yet we’re surprised
when “unsustainable”
becomes terminal
in our lifetime.
We didn’t know
we’d built our home
at the last stop on the line.
But still, to give up
is seen as heresy
or lack of faith
instead of literacy.
Don’t look up!
(they say)
Ignore the signs!
Forget history!
Never mind —
Only look up!
Don’t look down!
Ignore the facts
and your bank account!
The Law of Attraction
and positive vibes
can materialize
monopoly cash
and plastic lies!
It’s all fake
yet they call us insane
when we call a spade a spade:
we’re long past our peak –
already fell off the cliff
just haven’t hit the bottom yet
it’s not the fall that kills you
but the sudden deceleration.
That breeze on your face
ain’t the glory of speed
as we “progress” and “win the race”,
it’s wind resistance
from plummeting down.
Most of us can’t feel it
we’re trapped down in steerage
or caught up in the sails
desperately trying to change direction
or sweat, fuck, and dance to oblivion.
‘Cause it’s the 21st century
and we don’t know how to do things –
can’t grow, build, hunt, or mend things.
We’re trapped in casinos
of rote dark algorithms
like dating apps
school admissions
and job applications
placing bets that only win
fleeting hope.
Whether it’s
Elon or Donald
Crypto or CRISPR
AI or T2
there’s nothing left
for us to do.
Listen to what’s real:
that shrieking you hear
is your own choked-down screaming
as you wake to reality
and pray for the matrix.
But I say give up.
There’s a greater chance of survival
if we relax
upon impact.
© S. Rinderle, April 2024