free will

the store
down
the street was
no longer
offering free
will.
the stakes had
gone higher.
the rents were
out the roof.
everything has
a price.
now free will
has one too.
the man,
with his
cigar, standing
at the counter
shrugs
when you question
what he's
done.
I have to make
a living
he says.
buy something,
or be gone.
you've had your chance.
your whole
life you've
had free will,
but now.
it's over. at
your age, it's
others who will
lead you,
who will take
your hand
and tell you where
to sit, what
to eat. what
time you go to
bed. you have no
more free will.
it's going to cost
you now.