Internal Humanity

I watch them grow through the lens of my device, Each victory won in spite of pain, Every moment of tears turns to laughter, And the loud crowds echoing on stages Always jolt me back to reality. I have always watched, From when I was a kid and they were kids too, To now, when I’m grown, And they, successful with fame, While I gloat about the economy. I watched them grow, but I never grew, Fixating my journey on a little device, Where moments of joy are short-lived. The plan was to watch and forget my sorrows, But my sorrows won’t forget me. Their plan was to break and bloom, While mine was to stay happy Without caring much for tomorrow. It dawned on me when my last penny Was wasted on data. I’ve watched Selena grow from the wizard’s tale To the beauty queen she is today. I’ve watched Zayn sing his heart out, Until a simple "Yay!" on stage Fetched him thousands of sold-out tickets. But I have never changed, Stuck in my yoga stance, Always positioned to watch and grasp A fleeting moment of laughter From my tiny little device. They grow off my penny, And I watch them slip away. Even after all these lamentations, I’m still curious if Selena Sold out her concert tickets. Date: 04/01/2025 Contest title: Pick-A-Title, Vol 48 Poetry Contest Name of sponsor: Edward Ibeh