The Shortfall

The notification glowed

on the screen, a digital gleam.

Another sum, I suppose,

following a sleepless dream.

Rent due, the bills stacked high,

groceries, a constant need.

And this small number, why,

doesn’t quite meet the speed

of what must be paid.

The zeros stare, a steady line,

stuck in a worn-out groove.

This isn't mine,

not enough to move.