Vanitas

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Here, people no longer

care about anything

not even the pain

of their fellow

who struggles for a drop of bliss

but only worry

about their own delights.

They scatter their soul

on meaningless and fleeting

people and things

thinking they will touch

absolute glory

in this self-centered world.

©2025, Vasiliki Papadopoulou

Allegory of Vaniy by Antonio de Pereda (1611)

5 responses to “Vanitas”

  1. Adarsh G Avatar

    Well written

    Liked by 3 people

    1. papadosshortstories Avatar

      Thank you so much my friend. ☺️❤️🙏

      Liked by 2 people

  2. ben Alexander Avatar

    Vaso, this feels both raw and reflective — that line “who struggles for a drop of bliss” really caught me.

    I feel the disillusionment you describe so sharply here, like a quiet mourning for empathy in a hollow world.

    Much love,
    David

    Liked by 3 people

    1. papadosshortstories Avatar

      Thank you so much, David. I appreciate your words. Unfortunately, it’s how I’ve been receiving the world lately, with all the manipulative news and the blindness of politicians.
      I wish you a good rest of the day.
      My best wishes and love
      Vaso

      Liked by 2 people

      1. ben Alexander Avatar

        🤗

        Liked by 2 people

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