The hollow exchange

I Wish I Were You A word whispered since the dawn, One that signifies the rise of a fool. A spark of jealousy that sets civilization ablaze A fire born from longing, fueled by loss. A child in a glass dome, Trapped between shelter and captivity. The rich to the poor A battle of affection and finance. The wealthy crave warmth, the commoner seeks wealth. The oppressed demand freedom, yet the free forge chains. The soldier prays for peace; the king declares war. Men hoard not for famine, but for profit. A child yearns to grow swiftly, An adult mourns the days he left behind. A brother envies a sister, a sister seeks another Mirrors of longing, reflections of loss. We reach for what we do not hold, And abandon what rests in our hands.