Opiate for the Masses

Assumptions that virtue is its own reward were

based upon a complete lack of cognisance;

else why are the virtuous so oft maltreated?

Power, ultimate aphrodisiac, unable to discern

any coherent rationale to bestow benevolence

to the masses.

 

Acuity absent, whilst we the people are supplanted

with dexterity, deferring to vacuous media.

Articulate reason, or proffer effervescent elucidation

attended by lively, hi-definition soundtrack;

the choice, were it ever offered, is now made,

and taken away.

 

Vanish, morals!

Vanish, standards!

Vanish wisdom!

Vanish ethics!

Vanish education!

Facebook, not textbook, for the poor huddled masses!

 

The New World Order is yet to be heralded,

scramble still for adroit life of purpose.

Perceive not, caricature life-livers, the consequences

of persecution by proxy. Prolonged entertainment

is your opiate.

Reviews

[Maya]

In a few lines you denounced in a powerful and eloquent way the lethargic state in which the masses have been plunged just for the sake of the wealth and power of a few. "Vanish education! Facebook, not textbook, for the poor huddled masses!" I find these lines in particular highly expressive of one of the major problems of our age: education, knowledge which used to hold so much power have been neutralized, only to produce this flock of sheep that humanity has been reduced to.

Your use of words as a means of resistance is very artful and something I highly admire! A wonderful literary piece

[Steph K]

The use of the words Vanish in the middle might seem careless. However, i find this the best part because it has an emphasis on what you as the poet is trying to portray. It s fun, carefree and your word flow so effortlessly! This is an extremely powerful piece and I love how you tie truth and reality with your art.

[FemmeSpookyCorpse]

Jeremy, your points are strong, strict, straightforward and sharp. Their sting is that of intellectual wisdom and tough observation...I love it! You paint an eerily truthful picture when describing what our society has succumbed to, with each and every point basking in a tougher truth than its brother. Fantastic work = ]

-Femme_Gothique (Brittany)

[deeps]

This is wonderful, I agree with you.

[Desmund Tiny]

"Facebook, not textbook, for the poor huddled masses!" I like this lines.
Nice poem...... ^^,

[MS. BABy]

mmmhhmm.//i CAN'T STAND NOOKS, ELECTRONIC BOOK THINGS AND OVER INDULGENCE IN TECHNOLOGY....SOCIAL MEDIA...AND WHAT THE FREAK...THE NON SPELLING OF OUR CHILDREN....SMH...LOL...LOOK SEE WHAT I MEAN...ROTHFWL..LOL.....

[Thea]

So true! Nice poem... :)))
"Facebook, not textbook, for the poor huddled masses!"

[...]

wow
i agree