StagNation

Satire Poetry and spoken word by Robert Trakofler Image by Jackie Jansuy

Image by Jackie Jansuy 

Stagnation

 

There was a dream that was

yes a dream… it was

what did it mean… this dream

is lost in the haze, it seems

was it just a phase, or a bit of malaise

spread across my morning toast

here, here, my friend

toast is best.. served cold

with a dab of Apathy’s Real Mayonnaise

do not be fooled by…

cheap imitations

what was it, that you said

a dream… well

welcome to the StagNation

were all is good

as long as there is

no inflation

sunny with a chance of reign

but very little

precipitation

there was a dream, it was

yes a dream…

that was

 

© 2024 Robert Trakofler

Author's Note

Robert · StagNation

Reviews

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

i am astounded by how clever your writing is. the rhymes, the beat, the puns and all the rest. it made me laugh, even though what you are talking about is actually very bleak. in the face of a seemingly unstoppable digression in politics and society, the only power we have left is laughter. and maybe there is some wisdom in that.
i hope that the situation in the world, especially in america, will change for the better. that those who love love can organise themselves as well as those who love hate. despair is our true enemy. and to counteract that, there is art, poetry, and positive humour.

[Robert Trakofler]

That really is what we have left right now I am hoping that a wave of artists swoops down on all of the misinformation and redirection that has brought us to this place:/ I think perhaps when the buyers remorse sets in and all of the people that fell for the shell game sees what the politicians really do to them we can get some common sense and actual change started! I decided that I can’t just be angry and start on my usual diatribes of reality checks and impotent reactions but that I need to interject with humor and inference

[Chris Shaw]

Wonderful Bunny to listen to your voice reading your own work. The world is in a dark place. Not just USA, but over here too in the UK. I had dreams once. They are on hold, but I live in hope for better times ahead, though we may have to wait. Happy holidays to you dear poet.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

Oh Chris I am always happy to hear from you thank you for reading my scrawl:) I am just as concerned for our brothers and sisters in Europe as I am here it seems that the wave of hatred and misinformation has broken many boundaries these past few years:( We will have to be more vociferous and diligent my dear we cannot give up without a fight;)

[MCS]

what times we find ourselves in. i keep looking for the light at the end of this forever dark tunnel sadly i think its the train. well penned my friend!

[Robert Trakofler]

I keep thinking that too the old phrases it always darkest before it’s dawn etc etc but we seem to have an endless supply of disappointments lol I know now that it’s are job to speak out as writers and artists to help make changes and stem the flow of negative persuasion but it can be a grueling process I think maybe this poem was about throwing my hat back into a ring

[MCS]

We cannot stand by and keep quiet.

[Ken Simm.]

Interesting play on words Robert. Conjouring an atmosphere so that I really know this man and his views. Without the poet being too obvious.
There is macro and micro here.

[Robert Trakofler]

oh yes... spot on! I am definitely feeling the results of how society is turning and I am making correlations with the lack of creativity and critical thought LOL in other words I was feeling rather snarky that morning

[Pryde Foltz]

Witty and also a bit melancholic. Melancholy by itself generally goes dow better with a bit of wit. Loved this word play and slow tilt -a-whirl delivery. Still don't know whether to cry or giggle. That's a good write:) Wonderful one, really:)

[Robert Trakofler]

I think I laughed and cried when I wrote it lol

[Pryde Foltz]

Yes ... the best way to cry. I should know:)

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous work. You hit the nail on the head.

[Robert Trakofler]

I take it you detected my I.have a dream reference:(

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"Apathy's real mayonnaise"

Love it and the poem and your wonderful reading of it, brother Bunny.
And the play on the word "reign."---

j.

[Robert Trakofler]

I definitely feel like the old bunny wrote this one:/

[Eilis]

We are living in strange times, Robert. It is hard understand how we have gotten here. Or maybe better to say it’s uncomfortable to be in this place collectively. It’s a new kind of sense we have to make sense of. And the constant influx of negative information makes for constant overload and, like those in the midst of trauma, we shut down, or make poor decisions, or find other ways to self-soothe. Your picture characterizes it aptly. We are seeking much but finding meaning or relief in things that will not be for our good. Good to see you on my timeline this morning. Hope you’re doing well.

[Robert Trakofler]

What a wonderful way of framing this poem dear Eilis what you just expressed was very much in my mind when I scratched these lines:)