“I’m getting tired of somebody always trying to sell me something

Sell me a dream

Sell me a purpose

Sell me a course

Sell me what I’m not good enough to be

Sell me what I’m good enough to be

Label me this

Label me that

Show me a picture of something that I can have

That my life is currently not good enough”

In this deeply personal and evocative piece, Kabir Singh—a voice artist, poet, and self-proclaimed philosopher—delivers a moving spoken word poem titled “Consume.” In it, he explores themes of mental health and societal expectations, expressing a desire to find peace amid chaos but tuning out the relentless noise of the world. Kabir highlights how we are bombarded by messages from others, including corporations, trying to sell us products, lifestyles, and dreams that portray an unrealistic picture of the “perfect” life and so-called “success.” This creates a culture where individuals use social media as a way to flaunt what they have or cause them to compare themselves to others.

As a result, many find themselves in a perpetual pursuit of an idealized life defined by society, leaving them feeling perpetually dissatisfied and yearning for what others have—reinforcing the notion that we are never enough. In a world where our worth is often measured by what we have and by our relationships with others, it becomes easy to focus on external opinions, fostering a desire to conform. Kabir acknowledges this struggle within himself, recognizing that the relentless quest for achievement can be both overwhelming and unhealthy. He shares his ongoing battle with self-doubt, questioning his worth, accomplishments, and purpose.

By offering his raw and honest perspective in his poem, he aims to convey that others are not alone in their feelings of inadequacy. Kabir believes spoken word poetry is a powerful and authentic form of self-expression, with therapeutic qualities that can promote healing. In a noisy world filled with distractions, it serves as a vital outlet for introspection, ultimately supporting mental health and emotional well-being.

Read or listen to the full poem here

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Featured Image: Elyas Pasban on Unsplash