Weight of Envy

By Marc Darnell

I would give a year to walk in your shoes

one week-- on Sunday I would flex my muscles

at the gym, walk naked proudly through

the others in the locker room, on Monday

and Tuesday I'm behind my desk and whistle

as the bucks come piling in, then Wednesday

I find a woman to marry me without

fear of what the world may think, my castle

gleams as I drive home with tags In Transit

and drink the Thursday through to woo my wife

who loves me for my mind and satisfies

all urges I've kept healthy, I'd feel safe,

as weekends I'm content and dry my eyes

from tears of joy, not sorrow for this life.

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Marc Darnell is an online tutor and lead custodian in Omaha NE.  His latest books are Forecast: Increasing Visibility  (Kelsay Books 2024) and The Mining Muse (Impspired Books 2024).  He has 3 times been awarded an Academy of American Poets prize.  His book of poetry, Remnants Of Reason, is forthcoming from Kelsay Books.