Faded Memories

A poem about growing up and understanding what it takes to thrive, not just survive, in the even harsher world of adults.
And child labor, depending on how you choose to interpret it.
And this may, in fact, be the first "narrative" poem I've attempted.

The ninth poem in the conclusive "Limitless" collection. Three more to go!

Previous: Eternal UnderdogSuccess has the stench
of pure alcohol,
mint-scented ballrooms,
and storage closets
filled with skeletons-
fragments of spirits
swept into dustbins;
praises and merits
for repeated sins.
Where is the virtue
when in the dark
I never glow?
Why would I want to
gain the world
but lose my soul?
Victory's a bag
of addictive drugs,
mind-boggling pleasures,
and two instruments
of death and decay-
hollow sacraments
for my soul to pay;
cloth-like green parchments
with few words to say.
If all my success
leads to excess
hypocrisy
and
complacency...
I'd rather stay
an underdog
eternally.

Next: Shut It OutThese are the voices
inside your head- 
evil rejoices
under your bed.
Your darkest pleasures
soon to be fed- 
such drastic measures
would leave you dead. 
To relieve our stress
we make a mess
and I must confess
I’ve done no less… 
Where is redemption
in this obsession? 
If this is part
of your problem,
shut it out,
erase your doubt,
and prepare for
another bout. 
These are the faces
staring you down- 
shattered pieces
of your renown. 
Violence bought you
a wedding gown- 
a consuming drive
to gun this town. 
To relieve our pain
we strive to gain
and I must complain
it’s not so sane… 
Where is repression
in this aggression? 
If this is part
of your sickness,
shut it out,
don’t give it clout,
and prepare for
another bout. 
This is the feeling
of apathy- 
a breeding ground for
the unhealthy. 
Disconnected life
seeming lengthy- 
stalling momentum
deemed unworthy. 
To relieve