The Gilded Embarrassment

it’s hard to look
at what our image has become,
withering compassion
and torn-up roses.
the world watches in shock and awe
at the gilded embarrassment.

it’s hard to hold a mirror
to our own shadow
and see the age lines and wrinkles
that show not wisdom
but rather folly.
instead of honest self-reflection,
we build a ballroom.

the emperor is already naked
and half the people cheer
as if it’s some kind of dignity.
i’ll never understand.