stop counting every shining rusty coin we could make
or selling our dignity, freedom or something even fake
stop trying to have sex with someone ideal
or to kiss, and talk dirty with someone real
stop gathering fame like picking every fallen pine cone
or seeking the autograph from someone better known
stop pursuing the power to influence others
or building the authority belonging to fathers
stop looking for bigger houses, richer foods,
stop pleading Jesus, Buddha, or Ala for a happier after life
or building heaven with earthly prayers said only to survive