Cupcakes

Fake.

Fake hair. Fake lips. Fake boobs. Fake store fronts. Fake prosperity. Fake lifestyles.

And way way way too much make up.

I'm not sure who is supposed to be impressed by all of the plasticy fakeness, the uniform track homes, or the general gaudiness. Is it a quest to out-fake everyone else? Or, do the purveyors of all things fake actually believe that they are being believed?

If all of the energy and resources that this state spends on being fake were re-directed toward something worthwhile, like stem cell research, I could have a new pancreas by now (with two spares sitting in my freezer.)

Surprisingly, in one of the fakiest cities down here, surrounded by hordes of pretentious pea-hens, I did find something real.

It was a cupcake, from a cupcake-only fake-facade store front, served by a fakey flakey college drop out whore, wearing way way too much foundation and eyeliner. The cupcake was pure, however. Strawberry flavored with bits of real strawberry. Butter cream frosting, made with real butter. All they served was cupcakes, at a premium to be sure, but they did it well.

So, an oasis it was, in this horrible sea of brown air, stagnate heat and Botox. It was a glimmer of hope, and a reminder of things that are real. Someday, the tsunami will come and wash away this wretched wasteland, and carry the rats, snakes and cockroaches along with it.

I will be sad that many of my friends and most of my family will all be washed to sea with the tide. I will also miss the cupcake store. However, I will not miss this place.