What would he live for
if not for the letter to the customer
that he's forwarding the quote to
for a happy client is a happy profit
that he brings home for bacon
is he less of a father if there is not
a duty to perform for his family
is life meaningless if he didn’t work it?

what would a student live for
if not for the exams she's to ace
reading papers on her own volition
for quaint mathematical equation
that she may bring home a graduate  
is she less of a daughter if there is
no honors returned to her parents
is life meaningless if she didn’t learn it?

what would the couple live for
if not for the dreams they’d backpack
into future unknown as flights await
to enchanting a relationship
that brings rejuvenation to ruts
are they less of a couple if there is no
time away from the humdrum
is life meaningless if they didn’t travel it?

what would the barista live for
if not for making beans behind counter
to gay customers delighted by beverage
for which he is paid a salary to stamp his
tuition by an overworked single mom  
is he less of a barista if there is no
fees and books he’s to strive hard for  
is life less meaningful if he didn’t brew it?

what would a baby live for
if not for mommy’s milk bottles, hugs
kisses and adults’ gazes to nurture them
to crawl, walk, jump, hop scotch and cycle
to witness a blossoming  into full adolescent
is the baby less of a child if there are no
9 months to cross and milestones to check off
is life meaningless if it didn’t grow into it?