careful what you wish for

There are days

where I want the world to know

the writer behind these words,

her face,

her name,

the real me.

But that’s the ego talking,

and she’s always been

a nagging bitch in my ear,

whispering things like:

make more money!

stop being unknown!

reach more people!

anonymity won't help you grow!

But there is always

more money to be made,

and plenty of fame to be had.

You see, dear reader,

the things that cost us so dearly

are those which we give

Far too freely:

we waste hours of our time

putting the needs of others first,

then complain we lack the energy

to do the things for which

we truly thirst.

It's funny how we aim

to work hard and strive,

all in the hope that,

someday soon,

the masses will arrive,

knocking incessantly at our door,

demanding that we provide more

pieces of our hearts

so that they continue to thrive.

But be careful what you wish for,

for the world loves to take,

and take,

and take,

as much as you will give it;

the value of which you won’t realize

until it’s far too late.

So, let this writer's identity

remain hidden,

such that she may keep

the peace that allows her to live

a quiet, pedestrian life

— the kind that doesn’t

steal away her sleep.

- careful what you wish for