I get more.
I spend more.
I want more, more, more…

No amount of money
will satisfy the hunger and thirst
for comfort and luxury.
Happiness is in the waterworks.

I listen
with the intention
of replying.
It’s just how it’s
always been done.

I nod
even when
I don’t know
what you are saying.
Just shaking my head in agreement.

I’ll look away
when I’m no longer
interested.
A sure sign of boredom.

I’ll speak
if I think
it’s a requirement.
Though I prefer texting.

I take
a lot of things personal.
Unintentionally, of course.
It keeps me on my toes.

My mind like yours is
stuck on my phone.
It’s so distracting.
The digital age is winning.

Many people would love to have
the opportunity
to do better for themselves.
They would be
so highly motivated
even when they feel like
calling it quits.

Many people die
tragic deaths every day
hoping for the great opportunities
still available for anyone to seek.

America is their destination.
Oh, how they’d work their fingers
to the bone if they could.
Just to touch foot on this soil,
they wouldn’t think twice about
the long hours and minimum wage.

They’d work nonstop,
they have goals to reach.
This is their Olympics
and they are going for the gold medal
in every category.

Hardwork is hard,
it pays to work hard,
and they totally understand
the concept of sacrifice.

Some foreigners think
the streets here are paved with gold
til to this present day,

some might even go
as far as to say they thought
money did grow on trees
in our perfectly manicured backyards,
everyone must have one, right?

it’s embedded in their brains
to just ask, ask, ask
every chance they get.
After all, money is just
a phone call away, right?

Just wait til they step
foot on American soil,
where the majority is just
a paycheck away
from being homeless.

I owe everything to God.
What I’ve been through,
you may never understand.
If I tell you, you’d probably
shake your head in disbelief
and call me brave.