Now, distracted from eternal prize,
their eyes fix on the dazzle of tassels
and conferral of rank by calligraphic decree.
Now, saved from peril in the teeming, unseemly
hoi polloi sea by straight A’s and fawning gaze
on big sister, who rules in pantsuits ever
since the people said yes to TV.
Now, their eyes mirror screen-thin souls –
they take pride in sex and find joy in living colors.
Dave Read