likes

and ultimately
it comes down
to wanting to be
liked.
which can mean so many things
its a confirmation that we are OK
that we've done something right
that on some level who we are
or what we can do-the very things
that set us apart from each other
are the very things others will like...
so its a cycle,
vicious at times
and mostly self-fulfilling
its like gambling
and winning
its being naked and adored
to feel important
to feel relevant
to matter
to be understood.
click this box, and brighten my day
confirm that I am worth it.
Taste my food
tell me if you like it.
I've made a career
out of being validated.
its all a chef really is.
a guy seeking admiration
and it never matters,
how many likes you get
if there always lingers
the inevitable thought
that just one more like
would be enough
to reach nirvana
to lasso the hope
that we are not as incomplete
as this poem