Contentment

Poem and Image by Martha Di Giovanni

What is contentment? I would like to know.

Is it something that you purchase to help you grow?

I have read many books to find the truth,

From religions and professionals, 

Thus becoming more confused.

Wasted money is all I see.

Be positive and happy. That's all you need.

They tell you to love yourself,

Gee, that's a joke on me.

Making money out of people's misery.

Buy my books and tapes,

It will change your life.

All the same jargon and nothing is right.

All they do is label us,

If you don't follow the leader,

You will always be a Putz.

Labeling people is all I see,

You are this or that and unpleased.

Change your life, do this or that,

But does anyone want to know who I really am?

Doctors and therapists just make you talk,

They look at their clocks, no help in sight,

Do you have insurance?

We can do it at a scale rate if you want.

But do they care about the person who talks?

You leave the office much sadder.

Knowing that life isn't getting any better.

Yet they go on their merry little way.

Knowing that they are getting paid.

Your friends and family label you,

You are a disease that they don't need.

All she wants is attention.

That's what they say.

You are stealing my precious time anyway.

So I keep in silence all alone,

Wondering what contentment is after all.

I know, I didn't have a perfect life,

My father was abusive

with a fearful wife.

Women were treated as second-class,

I wasn't respected and I was mad.

So they label me as an introvert.

A mental case and a jerk,

So they taunt me and laugh

And call me names,

It was their way to feel sane.

No one believes me and that's alright.

May they go on with living their merry little life.

But I am tired and my age took its toll.

I don't want to hear it.

And I don't want to be told.

Somewhere in a book, I read that death is life,

We're going to die anyway.

And that is the truth.

So content for me is to suffer no more.

This world is selfish, brainwashed, and cold.

I will not change my thoughts and beliefs.

Embarrassment to my family is what they believe,

So before I part with you, I have one thing to say to remember me.

Look in the mirror and look hard and strong,

We are not perfect and life is too short.

Respect others for who they are,

No matter what color, religion, or beliefs.

Give them compassion, love, and support.

Labeling people is very wrong,

When there is love, people get strong.