The Great Waste of Time

I cannot paint a pretty picture
because that would be a lie
So I will paint you a picture
of how this world looks
really looks
but you say "ugliness"
is unmarketable
so I produce canvases
that are empty
but not blank
empty of what is really going on
filled with misleading and seductive images
to guide you through a maze
above you there is a sign
but you cannot see it
it is entitled,
"The Great Waste of Time"
when you hit the wall
and your life is spent
you look back and the maze disappears
Don't tell me life is worth living
if you haven't walked the maze
Look up!
read the signs little boy!
go back before it's too late!