Promise or pretense 
   fades as news of the day 
         dissolves into 
   less likely outcomes 
   with more to expect, 
     dulled-down hopes, 
       and more to reject. 
   Choices or chances; 
   one in the same. 
   We still face the guilt, 
        or the sanity, or 
           the shame. 

09/07/2023                                                                  j.g.l.