American Life

I don't like fast food, but I eat it
I don't like the rules, but I follow
I don't like the news, but I read it
I don't want these pills, but I swallow

I don't like these songs, but I listen
I think he's telling lies, but I'm voting
I think this water's fouled, but I'm fishing
I know this wisdom's flawed, but I'm quoting

Right now, right here,
nothing is new
I seek, I fear nothing is true

 

I've got much to do, but I'm sitting
I've got much to say, but I'm quiet
I should see this through, but I'm quitting
I know this is crap, but I buy it

I've heard slaves made these shoes that I'm wearing
I've heard there's lead in these flags that I'm flying
But I walk right on hardly caring
Living too fast and slowly dying

Right now, right here
wrong seems so right
I'm just like you: American life

I've had ten friends shipped off to Iraq
I gave my love and said goodbye
I know that four will never come back
I sit and try hard to understand why

I've got plenty, but I still want more
I saw a man with nothing today
His greasy smile struck a deep minor chord
But it passed by quick, and I'm on my way

Right here, right now
I see no light
I'm just like you: American Life

Reviews

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

culture junkies~ all of us~ even with one foot in reality~ the other is slipping on the chicken s**t slide of media soul washing~ I an so relate~ struggle to unhinge but hooked on f***ing 5 dollare lattes~ our brains have been beautifully laundered~ the soul does protest~

[Christy Sargent]

Oh good grief...you just wrote a poem (almost) about ME!!! How did you know that I "don't" but "do" to nearly all of the above? It is a sad commentary but a very true one. Something is wrong with this picture. I am instantly pleased with your writing SK.

[OT]

seriously!! this must be your 8th piece today - lucky us!! haha I'm rather impressed with your rhyme dabbles I must say!! you do it with ease! strong satirical narration at its best! strong and powerful!

[Ruth]

Yep! Dealt with a realistic blow and honest love! Isn't it the truth?! lol
We often do what is not for the good to ourselves or others or we often follow rules, god help us, that are wrong in the scheme of things! We can see the light though, not have that fast food lol Or not have the latest vaccine through fear mongering, the list goes on lol
Another masterpiece love
xx

[GreenSkeleton16]

i like this! good story..weird that it rhymed in some parts and not in the rest thought. Overall it was a good read

[Kerry O'Connor]

Oh this is the real deal - cutting edge satire and social commentary. Your American life sounds all too familiar - this could be the Anthem of the 21st Century.

I've got plenty, but I still want more
I saw a man with nothing today
His greasy smile struck a deep minor chord
But it passed by quick, and I'm on my way

Oh the bathos of 'deep minor chord'...
Brilliant!

[Maurice]

Excellent. The poem is sad, but there's a lot of truth in its message.

[cfix]

Wow this is a very well written write.
So much to be said in this write.