21st century

It's the age of fast food
and protected sex.

We wear the skin of
young stars and flaunt
our mundane lives as if
they were universes,
thinking someone, God perhaps,
actually cared what class
got canceled or how drunk
we were last night.

We've lobotomized ourselves
like lobsters--eyes-first
into boiling water,
our flesh tender
and craving acceptance.

We follow needles,
whether in a clock or syringe,
because something
(faith, work, drugs)
has to fuel our mannequins.

We carve into ourselves
searching for the one gear
that will turn the world
in our favor. But blood
is red, space is black
and stars are silver
surgical tools.

Author's Note

instead of "actually cared what class" in second stanza, should it be "actually gave a fuck about what class"

Reviews

[Amelie]

My fave from your "recents". It didn't sound cocky or presumptuous though the voice is assertive. The language you used has a tight grip. I couldn't agree more to the 3rd stanza, and "lobotomize" is one of the words I've been meaning to use in a poem. haha. but oh well, you owned it. dang! :))

[eglantine]

ooo you should use it and then send me a read request!!! Thanks for reading :)

[TLK]

I've just realised the homophonic tendencies of 'lobotomize' and 'lobster' thanks to this review. I think this link definitely improved how the work reads, to the point I didn't even notice it consciously.

[bob, small b. aka invs]

i think this is the 21st century's equivalent of t.s. eliot's The Hollow Men. it's always been thus. the vices and insecurities change. people are just people. for the most part, empty and shallow by choice or necessity. your writing is impeccable, as always. love your imagery.

[eglantine]

thank you bunches! That is one of my ultimate favorite poems--I actually have a recording of him reading it on my iphone lol it's amazing!

[That_Guy]

"We follow needles
whether in a clock or syringe"

Amazing line. great job. Oh Society... what happened...

[eglantine]

thank you very much for reading :)