Let’s all look good
While we suffer
And die unknown
Staying gorgeous
From being alive
Only sometimes
When the sale price
Justifies breath

With tags still new
During use
Faking vintage dreams
In appearance
That elude our grasp
Always shopping
For one last deal
Never found –

That perfect match
Nearly gained
Until guilt outweighs
Further spending
Where appearance alone
Cannot salvage
An emptier fate
Dressing up

Since mirrors reflect
Even skulls
Whose souls enjoy
Always hiding
Seeing lavish threads
Adorn bodies
Which crave belief
As they thrift,

Though ensnared
Beneath bitter trends
Needing truth
Despite often buying
Such endless frills
Seeking meaning
Knowing chic
Is nature at last

Under shirts
Become merely rags
Learning God
Created us naked
Wishing flesh
Was much more accepted
Wholly vogue
Exposing what’s free.

• J. Pigno