with all that we may stand to gain
or lose
upon a single breath
prudence yet eludes
our voice of truth
flaunting our pathologies
solicitudes become us
highwaymen who strum
submissive hearts
creatures born of covetous
convinced by vaporous conviction
candy coated candor
with a cracker jack surprise
desiccated eyes
no longer fit
to hold this thin disguise
rolling to reveal a hollow head
where tears unshed yet hide
Max, or Not 