Unto Themselves - July 10 2025

 

Unto Themselves

July 10 2025

I see the logo on your shopping bag,

the sweatshirt

with your alma mater,

shoes

emblazoned with their brand.

As if what you consume

is who you are.

As if their names

on your desperate masquerade

were fooling anyone.

While I go about unnoticed.

My clothes are monochromatic,

shoes too old to matter,

groceries no-name brand.

As if I’m subtly scoffing

at status seeking,

signalling,

the wisdom of crowds.

Which sends its own signal, doesn’t it?

That I’m pompous

judgemental

above it all,

a member in good standing

of my own virtuous tribe.

If not a monk

renouncing worldly goods,

then a minimalist

relinquishing some.

Or at least an aspiring one;

as if good intentions could absolve me

of my consumerist sins.

Because we all need to belong

non-conformist or not.

Because we all construct an identity

which is mostly borrowed

like it or not.

Except, that is, for the few true eccentrics

I envy from afar.

How they do it, I can’t imagine;

going through life

contentedly oblivious,

happy

unto themselves.