Identity Rentals
by Odin Roark

How mercurial our reality has become
We hide
But we parade
We network
But meet only handles

How capricious our personas
Desperately pursuing validation
Always willing to move from
Long term
To short term
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
15 minutes

Is there a difference?

Tendering accountability by plastic
We adorn our image with
Amex Black
Platinum
Gold
Green
Visa
Master
Discover
Debit
Conceding to
Pass words
Encryption

But

We're safe
Right?
Concealing who we are
Or might be

Who are we really?

Step out onto the sidewalk
Hold your gaze upon the concrete
Eventually a creature will emerge
Whether today
Or tomorrow
It will be all it is
For even in insect worlds
It knows not playacting

Its importance suffers few sleepless nights
Over identity
Versus
Anonymity

Awake time furthers doubt
Mirrors reflect
Ponds reflect
Conscience reflects
But what do we seek?

Images have become
Mere echoes
Momentary glances
Tangential moments
Projected loud
Determined to close distance

We wait

The empty rebound returns a resonance
Slight of inner-vibration
Blinded by the ever lonely search for identity
For mental real estate fully owned
One's essence without costume

Until then
Save wisely to own
Lest we remain
Identity Rentals
For life