continuing your lifestyle

you're going to need
this much
in order to retire
at the age
of 66 your financial
broker says.
is the decimal
point in the right
place, you say,
squinting at
the spread sheet
in front of you.
there is an up and
down red lined graph.
yes, she says.
and puts her hand
on her chin.
you notice that
her hand is tan,
so is her arm,
and her neck
and shoulders.
she looks good.
like she's had some
work done.
and that dress she's
wearing. it's not
just off the rack.
she taps her
finger on the spreadsheet
again, to get
your attention.
you'll need this much
in order to live
at the lifestyle
you are currently
living at until
the day you pass on.
pass on, you say,
to yourself.
so, you say, looking
at her. what do you
want me to do?
so, you need
to save more
money. invest more.
in fact, I have a
list of five blue
chip stocks that I
think you can do well
with. write me
a check right now
and let's get
started.
you're listening
to her, but your mind
is wandering,
thinking exactly what
is this lifestyle
that you are living
and must continue.