mara

we make sense in the ways we're taught
we measure good by what is sought
gain and loss have status here
while contentment's for the queer

desire for personal possessions and pleasures
desire to be known, and to be treasured
as if what matters is novelty and passion
like all that was good, follows from fashion

"push away pain, sadness, and grief
from all that's unpleasant, seek your relief
simply ignore everything sad
strive to never feel anything bad"

the yardstick used, is 'how do I feel'
but just for yourself do you consider the deal
that pleasure and pain are what we pursue
because we've lost sight of what makes goodness true

when you solve for the first thing in your mind
you chase a phantom you'll never find
your goals become petty and mundane
and you end up restless, sour, and vain

reality is as a stream
inundated by a torrent
and you can't make satisfaction
while fighting the current