American Aristocrats

Olde prep school of former presidents, a gravitas of charm
that could only be achieved through years of age and affluence.
Futures foretold before birth, mapped and hung on the points of stars.
Clones of influence shaped and formed by dead languages.

Perfect emblems on thick sweaters sit behind the wheels of sleek foreign motors,
and the minds of the progeny are embossed in the name of their fathers.
Self-made is a quaint concept because the mold is predestined and the die is cast
around the solid social circles that will once again sit upon the seats of power.

They deem themselves our masters for there is no outclassing them.
We are the little people, fodder for their machine, our paltry savings cover their dinners
sans tip. They are the government, they are big business and they share a comfy bed
while the rest of us are burdened with stiff backs from sleeping in beds constructed of worry.

Some how the middle class has become a distasteful word, only mentioned in sound bites.
Immigrants are paper dolls to be thrown back into the seas and to their wars.
We have created our own aristocracy and instead of questioning we are in awe of them.
Like vampires they will glamor us to our own demise while they pick every penny from our pockets.

Reviews

[.]

-- ohhhhh... it's the same here as well... -- and i especially like the way you've revealed how dynasts can't possibly be "self-made"...

-- and... i majored in history but if i were to write about the "aristocrats" here, i'd end up sounding like a textbook... :p -- but you've done an amazing job of writing social commentary while sounding immensely poetic... -- i really like the way you wield the english language... -- i could end up learning a lot from you... and the thought makes me chuckle... :p

[icelandicblue]

I appreciate that s I will be sure to return the favor. ; )

[.]

-- haha... you're funny... :p

[annalysiar]

Honest. Sharp. Full of truth. Amazing

[icelandicblue]

Thank you for your kind words.

[annalysiar]

You're welcome

[Coyote Poetry]

The world had turn cold.
"Some how the middle class has become a distasteful word, only mentioned in sound bites.
Immigrants are paper dolls to be thrown back into the seas and to their wars.
We have created our own aristocracy and instead of questioning them we are in awe of them.
Like vampires they will glamor us to our own demise while they pick every penny from our pockets."
When the sheep are blinded. Wealth controlled the world. The poor and the meek will pay. I liked and enjoyed your thoughts. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Coyote. I am both a political and poetic animal at heart.

[Coyote Poetry]

We can be both. But be careful. John Dryden once said. Writers cannot be martyr. Someone must write the truth.

[icelandicblue]

My heart bleeds for others and the injustice of the world. It has always been so. You are right though, such blatant thoughts are not welcome in certain circles. This is when I am grateful to live here in freedom both real and perceived. I think you too feel the pain of the world Coyote.

[Coyote Poetry]

Yes I do. I do get negative view on certain topics.

[Creepy Swine Guy]

This is just spectacular. It's dripping with social conscience and awareness of the fictional narrative that is told about so many who claim self construction. You also hit upon the tragedy of the dying middle class. I REALLY love this poem!

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much CSG...Go Bernie ; )

[icelandicblue]

I read this now with even more conviction, and I am beyond the pale regarding the "peculiar institution" that is currently calling themselves our government.!

[Creepy Swine Guy]

I am NOT optimistic

[icelandicblue]

Neither am I. I have joined the resistance!

[Beccy]

Same the world over; Panem et circenses writ large. It's a jealously guarded club, though membership is gained more by the size of one's wallet rather than the measure of one's intellect or compassion.

The peasants are revolting it was once said; as indeed they still are as far as the great and good are concerned. :)))

Beccy

[icelandicblue]

We are forever revolting but it seems the castle walls still hold. Thank you.

[Pryde Foltz]

Some how the middle class has become a distasteful word, only mentioned in sound bites.
Immigrants are paper dolls to be thrown back into the seas and to their wars.
We have created our own aristocracy and instead of questioning them we are in awe of them.
Like vampires they will glamor us to our own demise while they pick every penny from our pockets.

We created the media to distract us with mirth and now it threatens to replace us. Fantastic penning, Icyblue.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Pryde. So nice to see you.

[icelandicblue]

Your words have most definitely come to fruition here in the United States Pryde.

[Pryde Foltz]

Wow ... some of things we write ... we did seem to be onto something. Perhaps we can turn the boat ashore now that we are waking up:)

[icelandicblue]

I hope so Pryde! I have never had more angst over the future of my children, my country and the world as I do right now. We are awakening, but there are many in our way so that we can stop it. I went to the Women's March in Washington and it was a truly iconic moment in my life, but there is so much work to be done! I hope that all is well with you.

[Pryde Foltz]

Things are good in Canada, not perfect, but good. Sending you positive vibes.

[Einstein Noodle]

much food for thought icey ... and room for discussion ... ;) seems very much a matter of perceptions .. the perfect season in America for political poetry :)
E.

[icelandicblue]

Hey Noodle...
For most perception is reality. Thanks so much for stopping by.

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ..i suppose it is ..right or wrong eh!? ;)

[emmajoy]

First thing i think of after reading twice... can happen in any so.called society! (Shh, don't tell I'm a Brit!)

Power makes its own aristocracy, what doesn't exist will be created - no, manufactured - to suit the unsuitable. It's a power.struggle with obvious outcomes.. unless and until those beings are found out as inadequate breakers.

Apart from being finely written, your poem is extraordinarily concise, considered.. and correct. You see so called civilisation for what it is.. Uncivilised. You see that those in power have merely the cash and backing to put down others; and, those others are the sad, bewildered malleable ones that sadly - more often or not, put them there. Your seeing into the machinations is amazingly lucid.. tis a bone that needs to be chewed.. Respect, admiration and a lot more.. YOU SEE.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you emmajoy. I appreciate such an in-depth response. I was struck by the statistic that the divide between the rich and poor is 7 times greater than it was in the 1980's. I was stricken by that thought because the divide just keeps getting wider and the despair is palpable. Again, thank you for reading.

[emmajoy]

You're more than welcome. Happy June

[Dr. Wood ?]

it is sad but true that our leaders come from the 'upper' circles...I actually despise the word CLASS..You get the point across so succinctly here ICE

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Dr. Wood. Good to see you.