I wrote back to my partner Nick to explain why
I hesitated to accept the group lunch invite
Knowing he would then call to talk me into it
Persuading through his preferred sales approach
On the phone saying no was not an option
Not wanting to disappoint him
But if past experience plays out again
The conversation will be just superficial talk
Six old white men assembling five years later
Formerly the board of a tech start up
Software sold after eighteen good years
Making the three founders fairly rich
So I responded to the group with my request
That we eliminate the trivial sports fan banter
Something my partner Marlowe soon seconded
And instead have a substantive discussion
I am interested in hearing what matters to them
About what is going on in the world
And in their personal lives if they care to share
To hear their concerns as people with money
Not that I expect it will happen
It being easier and safer to avoid differences
Sticking to subjects that are not controversial
Though even the weather is political now
My sympathies are not with the millionaires
Though I am fortunate it worked out for me
I do not celebrate the lucky few that capitalism makes wealthy
While creating inequality and so many social ills
