They say civilization is a thin veneer

the smile lacquered on your face

that becomes you

that keeps the fangs in check

and hardens with the years

And so we learn

to apologize without feeling

to flatter without honesty

to believe without conviction

to judge without personal consequence

so long as it gets me what I want

-things like cheap gas, fast food,

everlasting life or a new pair of shoes

Try not to feel so disappointed

Try not to expect too much

Sometimes it almost seems justified

through hard work or faith in God's will

Sometimes a sunbeam through the window blinds

can make you forget it all, for a time

Sometimes you just have to slog through the day

with your heart in your teeth and blood on your chin

And sometimes the current of darkness runs so deep

there's nothing to do but make like a corpse

and float