An illusion

Through our often-dawdled wended ways

upon the steppingstones of dollars and discoveries

we have flattered our children with careless gifts

and thoughtless handouts to weigh them down

given with cursory care, to make amends for silent fare

we have given simulated sunsets and smog infested skies

we have given a future of twisted realities, virtual love

and ever-changing certainties

we encourage them to walk meekly with a plastic wind upon their brow

to turn their eyes in blindness

while poverty steals dignity from the grasp of hungry children

we ask them not to notice the wealthy who accumulate more of everything

which no man really needs

for our children we have conjured an illusion

hoping that they will not see the sadness of a poorer world