Poem: “How To Be a Better Machine”

Pay attention.
Do the tasks.
What's the reason?
Never ask.

(existence is the past)

Always be nice.
Don’t be an ass.
Find the answers.
Do it fast.

(don't even bother to ask)

Control yourself.
Wield the mask.
But never be fake.
Don’t do that.

(i see you’re full of crap)

Meet their eyes.
But not too intense.
It’s a dance, you see.
Don’t be dense.

(love doesn’t make any sense)

Give them a smile.
Crack open your face.
Never bare fangs, though.
Do know your place.

(happiness is what you can take)

Listen closely.
Never talk back.
It doesn’t matter who’s right.
We don’t really keep track.

(everything is ruled by cash)

Follow the paved path.
Don’t be strange.
Be consistent.
Never change.

(you'll never achieve fortune nor fame)

Do what’s written
With no detours
Slip into routine’s 
Comforting allure

(to resign is to mature)

Don’t stop moving.
Never look behind.
Lest you make regrets.
Or worse — change your mind.

(seek a soothing demise)

Follow the signs.
Don’t complain.
Live and give in.
We're all in pain.

(the worst people always win)

Follow the rules first.
And break them once you’re sure.
Won’t you be punished though?
How much can you endure?

(you are no longer pure)

Sing your truth now
But make it pretty
And if it rings sharp
Make sure you’re kidding

(your voice is kinda shitty)

Tell your story.
Here’s my pen.
I’ll need it back, though.
Once this poem ends.

(you won't get to do so again)

Show and tell.
Sell it bold.
It’s just one life.
Will you get old?

(you don’t have any control)

And don't use trauma
As a convenient excuse
It's natural but misguided
Hardly anyone escapes abuse

(to hope is obtuse)

Build up your disguise.
Keep adding just in case.
Being is both a pastime
And a deadly race.

(to lose is disgrace)

Don't search for a purpose.
To be good, brave, or wise.
It's best to just follow.
Believe in the lies.

(be intentional in your disguise)

Keep paying what's due.
But don't ask too much.
Make no true demands.
You'll just try your luck.

(being a machine kind of sucks)

I told you the secret.
So now you are perfect.
You should be enough.

Go!
Run along now.

Subsist.
Make stuff.

Wait, you can’t?

What do you mean?

Did I hear correctly?

No such luck?

Well shit, buddy.
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Guess that’s tough.