Those Joneses Next Door Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

The only freedom one has,
That brings to them true happiness...
Once admitted after spending time committed,
To acquiring possessions left to dust or rust...
Is deciding which 'things' they can do without.
To realize a basic life to live that is recognized,
As a need for just the necessities.
To then leave behind frustrated aggrevations,
Of making attempts to keep up with appearances.
Since those Joneses next door...
With everything leased they could no longer afford,
Have moved and don't live there anymore to impress.
Creating an incentive for the rest of the neighbors,
To prioritize their lives without jealousy or envy...
With a focus on proper diet, discipline and exercise.

'And they strutted around here like they own 'everything'.'

~Who? ~

'Those Joneses next door who don't live here anymore.'

~OH?
So that's when you decided to get back to basics? ~

'Of course not.
Don't be ridiculous.
It was just time for me to make a change.'

~I see.
Many have made similar decisions.
If only 'those' Joneses knew.~