The Fourth Monkey

THE FOURTH MONKEY

We

are

revered

wide and near,

the three wise

monkeys.

Cover my eyes: see no evil,

Cover my ears: hear no evil,

Cover my mouth: speak no evil

An ancient testament to sense.

Oh, but wait!

Where is the hidden fourth monkey?

He's not doing anything, having a rest in Parliament.

                              

Conspicuous Consumption.

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CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION

1899

Veblem economic theory.

“ to display wealth and income”

Buy

more

to fill

the coffers

of the rich.

“You will never be good enough”

unless you have the clothes, hairstyles, cars, handbags, houses,

five bathrooms, two children, a cat, a dog, an albatross,

 a swinging lantern.

Insurance for your death, your house, your pet, your health, your car.

Buy latest phone, laptop, smart TV,

  Been photographed at

the Opera, has seen the latest movie, read the latest thriller, travelled around

the globe,

sniffed the coke,

drank the wine,

eaten blue oysters,

drank squid ink,

pigged on pork,

stuffed on steak,

veganic with vegies,

flown solo in a biplane, skippered a yacht, sped round

a race track in a red Ferrari,

been a Barbie on someone’s arm,

Slept in a palace,

Slept in a Laird’s room,

to impress or for snob value, or because it was

on offer.

 Slave to the common market,

bought and sold for a sparkle,

Always a new toy on offer.

Pick me,

now,

Wow!

Instant

gratification.

VGOW

28/10/19