For Kira and Charles.

 

Life is a Game.

I am born 

by chance,

my name, 

my race, 

my social class

randomly determined.

I spawn, was spawned, 

in arbitrary places

and moments in history.

I am surrounded

by random people

who play the game

with me.

 

 

I survive 

as long as I can

easy or hard 

as it may be.

I only get 

one life.

It may be fun 

at times.

I only get 

one life.

 

 

When I die 

or become 

too thirsty

to play 

the game

or too hungry

or sick

or injured

or old

my game 

ends.

 

 

Will I have 

won or lost

this game

I am forced to play

now nearing its end?

 

 

How do I 

win a game

I only play 

once?

 

 

I  must 

love the game,

and all the players,

laugh with joy 

at every move

I make,

cry when others 

stumble,

make the game

fun for all

those 

forced to play it

 

 

Then I win.

We win.