Our foremost thoughts emboldened by optimism, perhaps hope, if only chance could elevate from the deceit or dysthymia clouding a never-ending gap of misfortune. If only they had cared, if they had listened beyond the words they thought they wanted to hear. Experience is a moving force in its presence or absence. I have learned to say nothing. I, instead, have pages full of words describing and detailing corporate ineptitude. No decisions have been made or will be considered by a hierarchical system designed to keep people in a place separated more by class than by skill. Each level must pledge allegiance to the one before, and cater to the one above, respecting conditions imposed simply because they must. It is how it has always been done, even in days of rampant change — societal, political, or technological — the old ways of the world persist and will continue to as long as the need for power exists. And it does. It will. It is the way, as before and after. Continuity persists. We all may advance, but is it progress? Will we always question? Are we moved?

© 2023 j,g, lewis