Catch-22
Catch 22
.
I wish I had a simple mind
One that didn’t need to calculate
Or figure out.
I could work doing anything
So long as I enjoyed it
And could live.
.
I pay dues to my brain
From the bank of my time
Spent on Earth.
Time to be spent exploring
And being in awe of simple,
Natural beauty.
.
I pay bills to my survival
From the bank of my wasted time
Saved at work.
Bills for food and light,
Bills for transportation and shelter,
All for security.
.
I can’t stop paying to my brain
Or restlessness and discontent
Overtake me.
I can’t overpay this fickle charge
And withdraw some time to spend
In the sun and wind.
.
I live a constant struggle
To balance the checkbook
Of my time.
Everyday costs me more
As I write many, many checks
To appease collectors.
.
Oh, to be ignorant and blissful
Not to worry and figure
Or really care.
I could pursue happiness
And stumble through life easy
And not know the difference.
.
—– 2003
.
.
.
Catch 22 (Alternate)
.
I wish I had a simple mind
One that didn’t need to calculate
Or figure out.
I could work doing anything
So long as I enjoyed it
And could leave.
.
I pay dues to my brain
From the bank of my time
Spent on Earth.
Time to be spent exploring
And being in awe of simple,
Natural beauty.
.
I also pay bills to my survival
From the bank of my wasted time
Saved at work.
Bills for food and light,
Bills for transportation and shelter,
All for security.
.
Security that should ensure opportunity
To pay my debt to intellect
In timely fashion.
Security is a circular argument, though.
Pay the bills that allow me to work
Oh please
And work to pay those bills made at work
.
I can’t stop paying to my brain
Or restlessness and discontent
Overtake me.
I can’t overpay this fickle charge
And withdraw some time to spend
Untethered.
.
I live a constant struggle
To balance the checkbook
Of my time.
Everyday costs me more
As I write many, many checks
To appease collectors.
.
Oh, to be ignorant and blissful
Not to worry and figure
Or really care.
I could pursue happiness
And stumble through life easy
And not know the difference.
.
——2004
