valley of the bourgeios love dolls
by Mark Hartenbach

there are those who are willing
to live someone else's life
for financial security, beyond compromise
closer to prostitution
who think a proposal is indecent
only when the price isn't right

schooled in the ways of charm
they have a talent for being
whatever they need to be
to stay on top
to look seductive
while fetching on command

strike a submissive pose
while choosing sides
with an ever watchful eye
on the prize

everything becomes part of the sham
every act played out
for a specific reason

they can work it
for far more than its worth
though it seems like an ever-changing
tasteless flavor of the week
after awhile

but they can simulate love-making
at a cool distance
& leave insignificant others
satisfied just enough
to keep coming back for more

Mark Hartenbach a.k.a. marko x & Saint Ishmael is an Appalachian everyman aspiring to transcend the obvious.