Monday, August 14, 2023

five years later

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