It Tested Him by Eric Sparks

I knew a man, who was happier
before he decided to give a damn, but
one day he had an epiphany and wrote
a big sign on his wall that said, "Life Matters."

For years, he adapted this thought
into his everyday life, and hated
wasting time and shallow people;
especially wasting time with shallow people.

I guess I should say that it worked for awhile.
I mean, he searched for meaning
and read some books; he ate healthy and
avoided TV. Also, over the years, he held
some real relationships, romantic and platonic.

But as the years wore on, I could see
the change, mainly in the bags under his eyes.
He rarely looked happy, and only occasionally smiled,
and mostly sat alone in his house.

I visited him one day and, trying to
make sure he was okay, told him a story
about a friend of mine. At which, he scoffed
and turned up his nose. Insulted, I asked,
how he could consider himself different from the rest of them.
He broke down in tears, talking about how god neglected him.
But I think the world just got the best of him.