Anthology of Scrolls

by P.A. Wikoff

POCKETS VOID OF GREEN I can’t afford to eat lunch Though I’m counted on not to starve I can’t afford these breakdowns Nor a better car I can’t afford to make money With the money that it takes I can’t afford to mend my wallet So the bills they all escape I can’t afford healthcare Or the treatment I’m prescribed I can’t afford life insurance So I better stay alive I can’t afford a lawyer To get back what is mine I can’t afford a handgun To commit a petty crime

I can’t afford my taxes And incur the hefty fines I can’t afford the alcohol Which I need to unwind I can’t afford to waste time Though good things come to those who wait I can’t afford quality So I make another mistake I can’t afford a credit card Because of all the fees I can’t afford the payment To file bankruptcy I can’t afford happiness Even though I’m told it’s free I can’t afford to let you go When you deserve more than me

I will never be remembered for remarkable things, nor vilified. I shall sit and rot in an unmarked grave, hoping an accidental flower blows on top of me. Only then can I pretend to be relevant.