Gen Y

we are the paperback, dvd 2-pack generation
overpriced, underpaid, and so...very...angry
believing we are worth more than our capability
casual casualties of the entertainment barrage
and we're losing. microwaved violence - invisible heat
like the shape of fingers bruised into an arm
sizzling secrets left steaming in ground zero ashes
blame placed in another continent
as movie theaters fill to capacity
and our shopping patterns become business strategy
retail therapy is a business model, folks
not a mental health treatment
but damn, new shoes feels good
momentary happiness covering the bruises
teased and tricked, we want more
emptying our wallets for another quick fix
that sweet dollar sign high, violent magic
we are charter members of the cartoon epoch
wearing a superhero's cape beneath our business casual attire
identifying with the almighty superhero hype
escapism our shield from knowing any suffering
when we jump, we fly, cuz the fall doesn't exist yet
the imagination denying our very mortal truth
a privilege only THIS society's amalgamation can deliver
we are so...damn...GOOD at lying to ourselves
inventing identities and realities to steer us clear from our pain
it's what we do these days to survive -
to wake up in the morning and get through the day
but ignorance only feeds the machine
don't worry. I'm guilty too.
offering up my paycheck to new jeans and cable TV
all for what? that smile, that laugh track trigger,
upright shoulders and that swagger in my step
happy denial and false confidence
I am, simply, capitalism's prey these days.

Late Summer/Early Fall 2007

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