The Price

Listlessly he feeds the pigeons, 
strutting proudly in the park; 
kicking at an empty coke can, 
gravity has left its mark. 

Nattily attired he's one of 
many other CEOs 
high atop the corporate ladder, 
highly thought of, (what a pose!) 

Tired of mergers, acquisitions, 
weary of the daily stress; 
where's the joy, the satisfaction, 
where's the bliss of happiness? 

Hamptons cottage never lived in, 
cabin cruiser barely used; 
his wife's begun divorce proceedings, 
claims that she has been abused. 

Son and daughter - Utah, Texas, 
never sees them anymore; 
dad's too busy making millions, 
economics, what a bore! 

Who'd have thought a Wharton graduate 
with a double PhD 
would spend his lunch hour feeding pigeons, 
kicking coke cans listlessly. 

In his three-room penthouse office 
with a prospect of Times Square 
he seals another hefty contract, 
he has lost the will to care.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Peterson Avatar
February 18, 2016 at 9:13 PM
This is the cycle of weakening behavior you have captured. The dulling and deadness of things that dwindle finally to zero at the day last breath is taken, when the last thing on one's mind is surely this: Did anybody love me? What's the difference between ignorance and apathy? someone asked. And in response: "I don't know, and I don't care."
Bickerstaffe Avatar
February 18, 2016 at 9:24 PM
I directed you to the wrong poem! sorry about that... thanks all the same for your time and your excellent commentary. Keith
Carmack Avatar
January 1, 2016 at 6:41 PM
I can't remember where I read or heard it, but it was something like; "when you get to the top, nothing is there". This poems captures that perfectly.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
January 1, 2016 at 6:51 PM
Yep It certainly can be lonely up there even with all the baubles and bangles he's accumulated or rather because of them. Thanks for visiting my pages again my friend. I am most grateful. Best wishes, Keith
Jones Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 10:56 PM
Oh my..how grand you have captured this Keith! Well done! Remembering the things worth loving keeps us human and real...awesome
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 31, 2015 at 12:15 AM
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 31, 2015 at 12:14 AM
Thanks Donna! Much appreciated. Best wishes, Keith
Shahein Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 5:55 PM
What an extraordinary and intelligent write indeed , I really enjoyed reading it...hugs / / :) dalia
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 6:40 PM
Thanks Dalia! Glad you enjoyed it... Keith
Bauer Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 4:29 PM
oh keith, this is brilliant and brilliantly written! you've captured his sad life so succinctly...
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 4:38 PM
Thanks so much! WOW, 2 bRILLS! I am most grateful for you delightful remarks! Best wishes, Keith
Allison Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 12:32 PM
What a price to pay for success Keith - I found this so sad - a man has everything materially yet has 'nothing' in his life :-( hugs jan xx
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 1:26 PM
Yeah... it's too bad. Thanks for your insightful comments Jan... much appreciated! Best wishes, Keith
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