The Meaning Of Life

Come close,
and I’ll tell you—
roll up;
put your money down.

We got all the cash?
Okay.
Put it out back by the door.
Be ready to go.

Here we go, everyone—
listen close:
all will be revealed.

The meaning of life is…
Ahem: the meaning of life is…

Do you know it?
What is it?
No, really—what is it?

I’ve not worked it out yet;
I’m going to get there.
But if you could give me a clue,
or, better yet,
just tell me the truth—
’Cause I’ve got to tell you:

I’ve been searching
under the couch,
in the kitchen,
at the pub.
It’s an odyssey.
I’m close to giving up.
I’ve been to more places
than Johnny Cash—
some places
where you’re not meant to come back.

I’ve subscribed to the top podcasts,
followed all the right people;
the further I went,
the more lost I got.
Couldn’t help but feel
like I got robbed.

So if you let me know,
it would be a real time‑saver.
I’d be grateful.

Anyone? Anyone at all?
No?

“Stevie! They’re getting angry!”
Stevie!
Curtain!
Quick—grab the cash!
Run! Run!
Keep working on it.

(c) Paul Andrew Sneddon