Fettered - A Poem

Fettered
J.L. Smith, 2007

The deity Desperation plunges her deep talons into the soul.
But first, the seductive goddess of Pleasure dances exotically, ensnaring many.
Slowly luring the unsuspecting suburbanite into a slave-like existence of material wealth.
Attractive mortgage rates, easy loans. Trophy wives and flashy cars. These too can be yours for the affordable price of your soul.
The fettered souls march onward toward their impending doom, oblivious to their gruesome fate.
Your happiness is temporary. It is a distraction from the real game.
It ends. Your ecstasy ends with a bang, a sudden collapse.
Turn and worship your god! Desperation calls your name. He knows you by sight and smell and taste…
The stench of failure absorbs into the pores. It blots out all. It demands your attention.
A sickly sweet aftertaste overwhelms the pallet. Ubiquitous want turned into temporary joy turned into hollow desperation.
A fetter.