Dance of the Vanquished

To the victors go the vanquished - by their choice

Dance of the Vanquished

Adorned in all their finery
revelers partake of buffoonery,
leaders having gained the prize
compel the minions take the dais.

Like mardi gras without the beads
a carnivale aura proceeds,
as ribald laughter and puffery
overwhelm once proud solemnity.

The defeated are brought to share the stage,
to celebrate their own carnage,
to memorialize each false hope’s death,
with every stroke of the gilded pen.

Corporate takeover now complete
vanquished and victor each applaud the feat,
granting leaders the plumage of wealth
while those left behind just tighten the belt.

I close the slats on the window shade
to block my view of the boardroom’s tirade;
I realize I’m not meant to spend each day
in meaningless pursuit of frivolous gain;
I quietly retype my resume.

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Submitted October 2014 to "Invalid Item" 
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