Sweetbreads and Gravy

Societal

intelligence is ciphered

from birth to death

minds saturated

with misdirection

like fatty food deposits

on vital organs

hardening like metal

automatons schooled

and ruled to reasoning

without seasoning

tasteless sweetbreads

smothered in a

gravy of illusions

on an otherwise empty plate

they rise to produce

and to reproduce

they call it tranquility

we call it slavery

Reviews

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

This poem speaks to the idea that many people are born into systems that limit their ability to think critically and creatively, and that this can lead to a sense of disillusionment and frustration. The use of vivid sensory details, such as the "fatty food deposits" and the "gravy of illusions," creates a sense of visceral disgust and discomfort that draws the reader into the speaker's experience.

The lines "they rise to produce / and to reproduce / they call it tranquility / we call it slavery" are particularly powerful, highlighting the ways in which societal expectations and norms can limit our ability to live fully and authentically.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking and deeply resonant poem that speaks to the universal human experience of struggling to find meaning and purpose in a world that often seems indifferent to our individual needs and desires.

[Patricia]

Thank you kindly! I will return the favor soon when I have access to a laptop. Doing this by phone is a pain. See ya soon and I enjoyed your review:)

[William Michael Reeves]

Freestyle foody fun. But the meal hangs heavy in the gut of truth. Your wordplay in this, and keeping the food references going, is poetic gold! You poem made me think of the film Antebellum. Did you see that?

[Patricia]

Thanks William, I think I did, is that the one where she goes back to slave days? Can’t remember they ending though so I might have to watch that one again.

[William Michael Reeves]

Slave days but never went back. They reveal in the film that it is modern slavery reenactment. I remember thinking something wasn't right about the film, then the guy pulls his phone out of the saddle of his horse.

[Chris Shaw]

An interesting write here Patricia and you have used a metaphor which works very well. Freedom? What freedom. It is gradually being eroded away, along with all the other stuff. Soon we won't be able to say anything without fear of offending someone.

Chris

[Patricia]

thank you Chris and I couldn't agree more

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the illusion of freedom, the illusion of equal rights...but there is that Supreme nothing of a court...
taking us so backwards...the gravy is too filling, not fulfilling.
excellent metaphor here.
j.

[Patricia]

Thank you j. and yes backwards, our justice system is very flawed

[Einstein Noodle]

slavery it is indeed ... eyes do and are opening tho ... don't you think? .. i am old enough to not be much affected by the losses of free individuality in the USA .. but i grieve for my grandchildren especially ... there is no clear direction of truth in news .. and how else do we know what's going on around us .. just out of sight .. down the corner .. well said, says i! social commentary that is important and worthwhile .. thanks for sharing Ms. Patricia
E.

[Patricia]

Thank you Einstein :) Yes I indeed worry for everyone's children. Truth is blurry in the news and partial.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Patricia… to be a Slave to food is not necessary. There are plenty of ways to get Protein besides eating Meat. Hopefully we all within our family will make a Choice. So many things are still an Individual’s choice. Interesting to Study and be informed. gently, Pat

[Patricia]

Thank you dear Pat! stay informed!