Urban Hermit

A book and a glare--
poor accessories
to attract companionship.
*
Time to arise,
transcend
this rat's cage
masquerading as a life.
At least, that's what my mother tells me.
Meet someone nice, she says,
and everything will change.
*
My married friends nod wisely,
recount their SO's latest pranks,
or turn away to scream
at wayward offspring.
*
Change is a crap shoot.
Not everyone wins.

-- 2004