We Give Up

Every time we check for viruses
in our groins, our breasts and our hard drives;
Every time we worry about deadlines,
for charges, bills and interest;
Every time we buy things to absolve,
our guilt, ageing and other ugly truths;
Every time we hark back to the past,
to Bullseye, QI and Life of Brian;
We give up.

Every time we see poverty and despair,
on TV, the streets and in the mirror;
Every time we get angry and shout,
at loved ones, the sick and the distant;
Every time we detach ourselves,
from responsibility, purpose and denial;
Every time we say we’ll make a difference,
in love, life and the world;
We give up.

Because we don’t change.

We just say we will, one day,
when we have time.