The Working Professional
for the masks we wear challenge
Each day, a performance.
The setting, a stage called "life."
Code switch, rewind, flash forward;
Empty smiles that don't meet the eyes.
Play pretend so well
That people can't tell
When you're being the bad guy.
Is it really a lie if you believe it?
Punch in,
Punch out,
No one sees the misery when the curtain closes.
Legs turned to Jello
And eye bags so rich they're designer.
Another day, another dollar -
What costs more:
The time wasted or the money made?
You can make up one but not the other.
At the end of your life, will you take a bow
Or resent the actions made in pursuit of a fairytale.
About the Creator
Ashley Lima
I think about writing more than I write, but call myself a writer as opposed to a thinker.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Ashley Lima and writers in Poets and other communities.
October 6, 2024
I begrudgingly did some laundry. I scrolled on TikTok for far too long. My mother-in-law texted me first thing in the morning asking me to lunch or dinner, depending on how busy her day was going to be. My brain automatically went to "something bad must have happened." But no. She just wanted to get me out of the house, and it's scary how moms seem to know when you need something without you having to say anything at all.
By Ashley LimaExclusive • about a year ago
Bruce Lee and The God of War: Kuan Ti
It starts with love.. The Power to the God Of War and Wealth Walk into a Chinese restaurant (even in Oklahoma, USA), a Chinese police station, a kung fu martial arts studio or even a Chinese temple and you often see a red faced warrior holding a heavy quan-do (spear like weapon).
By WILD WAYNE : The Dragon King4 days ago in Chapters
Comments (2)
This poem captures the quiet exhaustion of modern professionalism with haunting precision. The theatrical metaphor is brilliantly sustained, exposing how identity becomes performance in the pursuit of success.
Oh my god yes! This was so raw and real! Absolutely love it.