As a man navigating the middle-aged realm, I often find myself indulging in quintessentially middle-aged activities. Occasionally, that involves meeting up with a buddy over a couple of pints, delving into the realms of nostalgia.

It’s a scene played out by many like us.

During these sessions, we ponder the past, lamenting its perceived superiority and bemoaning the missed opportunities of today’s youth.

From these conversations emerged a stark realization, one eloquently articulated by Mark Fisher in “Capitalist Realism, Is There No Alternative.” He astutely observes that we belong to a generation sold a dream—a dream that remains unfulfilled. We were promised that hard work and dedication would pave the path to success.

And indeed, we toiled relentlessly for years. Our efforts fueled the success of others, yielding profits and prosperity—but not for us. Instead, we grapple with the harsh realities of everyday life, contending with the relentless rise in living costs, forever haunted by the spectre of homelessness and worse.

The dream was a sham, leaving us disillusioned and powerless.

This collection of poems serves as a reflection of my musings on this disheartening aspect of modern existence. While my previous works often strike a balance between darkness and optimism, such equilibrium feels inappropriate here. Consider this my equivalent of a grunge phase—a raw exploration of disillusionment.

Contained within are predominantly unpublished pieces, offering a glimpse into the depths of my disillusionment that has not been shared elsewhere.

So, crank up those goth tunes and immerse yourself in the abyss of shattered dreams.