Mackenzie Norman

Poison ivy

on the wall

who is the vilest 

one of all

the roots of greed

and love of fame

the incessant longing

for a name

a climbing choke-hold

deathly-grip

tightening wallets

a moral slip

hungry eyes

of gold and green

the blackest heart

that’s never seen

winding, biding 

don’t have a clue

the ad is smiling 

our fingers blue 

the walls are falling 

not our spirits

bells are calling

but we don’t hear it

the clanging sound

of dying cheer

a frightening world

a gentle sneer

all money out

and money in

I spy no price

we’re shy to spend

We gain the world 

but lose our souls

And somehow it seems a bargain.