no signs of a struggle

was told that if s/he studied
hard in high school, not taking time
out to party, that she’d get into
college &
there were
no signs of a struggle.

was told that if s/he did well in
college, when s/he got out, s/he’d
get a good job, be able to pay back
all his/her loans & would be able
to build a good life &
there were no signs of a struggle.

was told that if s/he worked really
hard at her/his job, spending more
than normal full time hours in the
office, that it would all pay off &
eventually, s/he’d have time to
kick back &
there were no signs of a struggle.

was told that finding a monogamous
relationship that led to marriage was
the way to be & settling down was
what everybody was doing &
there were no signs of a struggle.

was told that having a kid was the
next thing to do, that it would bring
a newness to the already fading
relationship between her/him & said
spouse &
there were no signs of a struggle.

was told that once the child was
raised, s/he’d have time after to enjoy
the time when s/he was retired &
then s/he’d be happy (and there were
no signs of a struggle).

was told that sickness had invaded their
life & so s/he started to buy into a
“faith” of some kind, which would
promise happiness in the next life or
another life, or somewhere else besides
here &
there were no signs of a struggle.

was found dead just like the rest of us
will be, but
with no signs of a struggle.