Thanksgiving

Lives in plastic tarps
I'm entitled to a property tax reduction.
Empty sack of food stamps
the stock market is entitled to a bailout.
Am I thankful to life or the market?

Derailed rallies
we installed structures of apathy.
Angelinos struggled in smog
the caste christened as near God.
Are my prayers for the folks or the fabric?

Painted in fear
divisions lobbied for predators.
Gross domestic product ruled dreams
dreamers left behind the divide.
Am I devoted to my dreams or my pride?

Studies starved by loans
bubbles minted money for billionaires.
Dwarfed distributions
spiders crawled the world of the net.
Am I learning to walk or to flow?

My greed ravaged my gratitude
my entitlements battled with my empathy
still, I celebrate my thanksgiving.

The only thing you should feel entitled to is gratitude - J.S Mason