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I am the great pretender

You have such a wonderful outlook on things

I hear that statement, or variation there of, directed at me all the time, and I think it's time I set the record straight.

I admit I may have a rather unique perspective on life, but I sure don't have a wonderful outlook on things. In reality, I have a very bleak view of things, and anything that may appear otherwise is just a facade designed to fool you.
Oh yes I'm the great pretender
Pretending I'm doing well
My need is such I pretend too much
I'm lonely but no one can tell

Ok, so I'm not lonely, but still the lyrics are fitting.

To clarify, I will start by saying my life has been good. I have had some ups and downs [we all have], and even now, having been diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, I still consider myself lucky.

I grew up during the best of times [the good ol' days]. It was a time of innocence, when you could travel the country, or the world, without fear. It was a time of great prosperity, when we all benefitted from the fruits of our labors, and it was a time when we were all united in our desire to fix the problems of the day in a way that would benefit everyone.

That world just doesn't exist anymore. We have segregated ourselves, and have become isolated from the rest of the world, so convinced in the selfrighteousness of our own beliefs, we have become intolerant to the views of others. Lies are purported to be truths, and our political and social leaders spew hateful and derisive speech, intended only to divide and inflame a small, yet vocal [ill informed and naive] segment of our society, for their own benefit.

It is reminiscent of pre WWII Germany. We were able to overcome that period in our history, so anything is possible. I just don't believe we have the resolve, or the willingness to solve the problem this time around.

My only saving grace is I likely won't be around to see the inevitable outcome of the path we are on, which won't be pretty. So in the mean time I plan on enjoying life, while it's still worth enjoying.
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