Man-Infested Destiny
My country, tis of thee, wasteland of broken dreams,
Of thee I sing:
There’s a brand new house where a home should be.
There’s a strip-mall where the trees used to sleep.
And when they finally met the ground,
The city drowned out the sound;
Oh, silent screams!
There’s a schoolyard fight where we used to swing.
There’s a gospel choir who’s forgotten how to sing.
Despite their old bloodhounds,
Paradise was never found
——but I still believe!
My country, please tell me: where is your dignity?
Sold for a fee.
There’s a jail-bird singin’ for his once-worn-twice-clipped wings.
There’s a joyride car, but the gas tank is empty.
And I’m a claustrophobic corpse,
A stable-fevered horse
——let me run free!
There’s a therapist shouting suicide decrees.
There’s a Vietnam vet begging on the streets.
Oh, mortal pedestals!
Every empire crumbles
…eventually.
My country, can’t you see?
Man-infested Destiny let freedom flee!
There’s a perfect plan in the Founding Fathers dream.
There are rules that are made to be broken
(but never these!)
Those Optomists’ Outline eroded over time.
That Declaration is in decline, but not out of reach!
Still, the upper class reclines
While the middle walks the line,
And the poor must break their spine trying to make ends meet!
There are pills you need, but they sure as hell ain’t cheap!
But disease and paranoia———well that’s all free!
It lacks all common sense
Like a silent protest
——you gotta be kidding me!?
Another dreamer lost to fear…
Now, he’s just another gear in the machine.
My country, I thought we abolished slavery?
I disagree!
Betray your history with false equality
——we’re all guilty!
That lovely library?
Well, the city cut its funding
For more stadium seats.
So, get your tickets in advance!
You’re not gonna wanna miss this!
It’s a filibuster event
From your REAL President:
Your T.V.
My country, you’re asleep, lulled by technology,
Of thee I plea:
Remember days of yore: handshakes and unlocked doors.
The War is Over (if you want it).
