Among The Rich

It is easier for fragile souls
to live among the rich and socialize with the famous
never letting on they’re not one of them

praying luck and wealth
will rub off and they can be counted

among the wealthy by association
dressed in last year’s styles
of the finest clothes
living at addresses they can’t afford
driving cars and taking trips

that are beyond their reach
but hanging on by golden threads
getting invitations to every party

consuming designer drugs
and the finest alcohol trying to be the one
who is the most fun to be around
meeting the right people
becoming indispensible to the current star
who needs a friend or shoulder to cry upon

having just enough talent to look like the real thing
one of the faceless members of the inner circle

but when fame and wealth run out
no real savings to fall back on

pictures of better days
showing back stage with the best of them
a one night stand the entry point

but discarded when the day reveals
the beauty in the evening light
is but a troll  when the sun shines through.

Outside the rain splashes against the sidewalk
pounding the glass and the window sill
like laughter from those early days in school

when they mocked your ragged socks
and shabby clothes and didn’t choose you
for their team or wouldn’t sit with you at lunchtime

broken and worn from too much trying
you walk out into the rain

to be washed by bitter tears.