American Extravagance

 RANDOM JACK POETRY HOUR: POEMICS

American Extravagance

 

We have always embraced our choices

Choices in trucks and cars

Choices in Hollywood stars

Choices in toothpaste

How much can we waste?

Choices in breakfast cereal

Basic grains or ethereal?

Choices in frozen foods

Choices in bread and booze

Choices in soft drinks

Choices in what to think

Choices in political candidates

To show up early or very late

Choices in film and entertainment

To expand our minds or find containment

Choices in fast food cuisine

Choices in washing machines

Choices in soaps and cleansers

Choices in lighting and sensors

Choices in quality and price

Choices in three-minute rice

 

What happens to our sense of self

When we find few choices on the shelf?

When the vast array of products

Shrinks to what we need

Where then will it lead?

 

Will we still be Americans?

Will we still hold our heads high?

Will we still be exceptional?

Will we still have our pride?

 

The chain of production and

Shipping is breaking down

The coils of capitalism

Becoming unwound

 

When we have more jobs than we can fill

Will our confidence turn to doubt?

We’re running fast but standing still

Must we learn how to do without?

 

Is this America? Can we survive?

What will sacrifice to stay alive?