(destination: gratification)

(destination: gratification)

I overheard in passing
that we’re a ridiculous generation
with insatiable appetites
for instant gratification

yet we’re also told we never know
when our time is done
taught to fear the proverbial bus
that could hit us and run

so excuse us for wanting
right here and now
for the attempt to outrun
that bus’s plow

a blow that would mean
instant termination
for any and all chances
of gratification

yet for a long time, for most
there's no deathly embrace
it's that we miss the bus entirely
despite a fervent chase

over and over
again we find
it’s already left
and we’re left behind

but this isn’t about
praising burnout and hussle
and it’s good to strengthen
our patience muscle

and it’s certainly not about
entitlement or greed
but about letting us go
at our preferred speed

letting us dream
letting us chase
letting us make
our own mistakes

letting us want
letting us try
letting us figure out
our how and why

don’t tell us it’s too late
don’t tell us it’s too soon
if we miss the morning bus
there’s another one at noon

let us discover
in our own way
when to be early
when to delay

let us find
in our own time
that we’re never
really left behind

that before the bus
in metaphor
comes charging through
reality’s door

whether it’s delayed or
instant gratification
we all deserve a chance
to reach our dream destination

@paige.thepoet