Listen to Marvin read Zero Sum
Pierce through our hist’ry books, our modern scene—
Discover truth: life’s a zero-sum game.
Frenzied flagellate spears ovum—the dream
Begins: gestation, birth, fierce drive for fame!
Parents push, teachers prod (no pain, no gain!)—
Pursue accounting, math, or poetry—
It’s all the same—emulate heroes (vain
Refrain)—work, scheme, fight, love, kill, disagree!
Seek riches, honor, self-esteem—lay down
Life for god, country, fabulous heaven
(Gold pavement, moist houris, replete with crowns)—
Ferment of two cells bumping—life’s leaven.
Then sum up. These same exalted heroes
Die—become cold ash equal to zero.
(6/11/09)