be honest:
is culture the ability
to sing the same songs together
in joyful abandon
with your neighbors?
is culture
a shared recipe,
or a coordinated
childcare plan?
is culture the fact that you’ve shopped
at the same Target,
or are recovering from the same expectation
to sit still and keep quiet?
is culture the purchase
of the right brand,
that signals casual,
but not struggling?
be honest:
what is culture,
to you,
and who
is left out?
are you
feeling proud
of your culture,
right now?
what opportunities to participate
in the culture you identify with
have you passed up because
you were too busy?
what happens
when no one
shows up
to cultural events?
be honest:
do the ones
who pay
your paycheck
have your back?
does your work
fulfill the standard
you set for yourself
at 20?
does access
to the levers of power
make your
family happier?
does the time you spend
at work compensate you
for the time you’ve lost
with your family?
be honest:
what the fuck
are we, as people
who love, doing here,
right now?