It Will Always Be That Way... Poem by RIC BASTASA

it is hot in here
and we are wearing

our long sleeves
with undershirt,

we want to undress
and relieve ourselves

from this inconvenience
and deprivations

tradition however
demands that we suffer

finally the bride and the
groom have arrived late by

one hour and we see them
dance all the way to the altar

the guests are hungry and wary
but are not complaining

no one says a word or shows
a hint of discontent

it has always been that way
the hypocrisy of tradition.