The Lotos Punishment

All the problems that may come
From too-prolonged wellbeing,
Companionships abandoned,
The loss of all ambition.

Small wonder bodies are built
Not to enjoy anything,
Especially contentment,
Too continuously. Blame

Artificial chemistry,
Alcohol and opiates
All you want, blame the systems
Of human exploitation,

But there’s also natural
Cruelty built in for greed
To wriggle its talons in—
Because you want to feel good,

Because you want it, and then,
It fades and won’t work again,
Which keeps you working, wanting--
The system of all systems.