Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 5

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die", Part 5 of 5

       Unfortunately, as is the case every four years, the Democratic field is just about as mediocre and/or unqualified as the Republicans tend to be. At least they help the Common Man, most of the time. However, there is an unofficial candidate, but he is on many but not all state ballots. I like him as a candidate because a: He's not per se a career politician, so he isn't likely going to BS or lie to you like George Bush, for instance, regularly does. b: He has over twenty years of experience looking out for the consumer and the Common Man. c: He has proven his leadership qualities with his successful battles to demand automobile safety etc, and he also founded the Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) to advocate on behalf of the average citizen rather than the corporation(s). Also, I'm sure there are a lot more reasons that we'd be better off with someone like Ralph Nader in the White House than a Spawn of Nepotism like George Bush.

       Another reason bozos keep getting elected is that not enough young people register to vote or even bother to cast ballots once they're registered. Besides, the well-to-do, like George Bush, have a very good incentive to make it a hassle for young people and others to register to vote. Citizens of legal age should be able to register at the DMV, their school, or even a movie theater if they so choose. If that happened, perhaps Reagan and Bush never would have had been given the opportunity to screw up our country beyond recognition.

       Whether you vote or not, don't settle for mediocrity in politicians, your choice of profession, or your life in general. If we all strived to be the best we could be for a change, the results would likely be amazing. One last thing, don't let George Bush nude-Bungee-Cord Jump the economy and the environment, with a 10,000 foot drop and a 15,000 foot Bungee Cord, into the Sea of Despair.  [As the joke goes, See You Next Year, perhaps tomorrow] Have a Happy New Year!

       Although this essay was written about sixteen years ago, it is still relevant to today, with a mediocre George W. Bush administration ruining things for most citizens to satisfy his so-called base of wealthy right-wingers and religious zealots.

    [Originally published in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die And Other Essays.].

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 4

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 4 of Several

       Read his mediocrity--: No new progress. Few new jobs. No better health care for those who have none. No new domestic programs, and no new money. All rights reversed (as opposed to reserved) by the Reagan Rehnquist court. Never forget Bush's broken promises: "No new taxes." Who would ever guess that a leader who promised to be "the Environmental President" would turn out to be such an environmental saboteur?: [Making 50% of wetlands vulnerable to development; doing little or nothing about Oil Spills; requiring "further study" on the Greenhouse Effect (Global Warming); No Energy Policy whatsoever, etc.] In the next election, remember George Bush's innumerable blunders and follies. In the upcoming Presidential election, remember to: Never trust any Republican over thirty. And, the only good Republican is an unelected Republican. (to be cont'd)

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 3

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 3 of Several

       To use a sports analogy, America is like the long-time heavyweight champion who has been number one for so long that he gets fat and lazy and stops training. Before long, a young upstart cleans his clock. For years, our government and industry have let higher quality and lower-priced imports enter the American marketplace without adapting the quality or price of American goods. If our government and industry were truly committed to make education, job/career training, quality control, and innovation top priorities, we could compete a hell of a lot better with recent powers such as Japan and China. For instance, there is no reason why American companies can't start making VCRs, Compact Disk players, computers, and other products primarily made overseas to save money. 

       George Bush likes to say, "Read my lips...". The problem is, whenever he opens his mouth, very little of style or substance ever comes out, other than perhaps his Point of Light Foundation and his incomplete victory against Saddam Hussein. (to be cont'd)

[Originally published in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die And Other Essays".]

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 2

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 2 of Several

       As Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) said in the movie "Thelma and Louise": "You get what you settle for." In settling for Reagan, Bush, and other assorted avaricious incompetents, we have gotten exactly what too many of us have settled for. For instance, the trend toward excessive deregulation led to a $500 billion + Savings and Loan scandal, which we are all paying for one in one way or another. Similarly, there is a recession and a great deal of unemployment, largely due to so-called Junk Bonds, hostile corporate raiders, the party that the rich had at the expense of the poor and the future during the eighties and nineties, etc. Graft and power-hunger led to the Iran-Contra scandal, and perhaps the so-called October Surprise. An inherently unfair stacking of the Supreme Court with ultra-conservative justices is eroding your  individual and civil rights and liberties, even as you read this. In short, we are in the mess we are currently are in because we arguably haven't had a halfway-decent President since November 23, 1963. (to be cont'd)

    [Originally published  in Feb. 1992 in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" and Other Essays] 

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 1

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 1 of Several

    [Originally published Feb. 1992 in Eastern Connecticut State University's  Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of my unpublished manuscript: "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die and other Essays]

       Welcome to the Age of Mediocrity. Jobs are scarce. Money is very tight. Opportunity is almost nowhere to be found. Even true compassion and humanitarianism have largely flown out the window since the Reagan and post-Reagan Dystopias. The only thing that seems to be in abundance these days is mediocrity. So, as George Bush might say: "Never fear, there's plenty of Mediocrity to go around for everybody." Mediocrity is everywhere to be found, and is sometimes the only thing to be found.

       Speaking of Mediocrity, George Bush wears it like a badge. He wallows and languishes in his mediocrity; and he even seems to take a great deal of pride in his mediocre, dubious accomplishments as President, and he expects us to do the same. If there were an annual or once a decade or so prominent example of mediocrity, George Bush would win the Yoko Ono box-set hands down (She's not named Oh No for nothing.). Bush is a first-rate liar, a seventh-rate President and a second-rate human being. (to be cont'd)  

Books Worth Reading, Movies Worth Watching

Books Worth Reading & Movies Worth Watching

       I have recently read the following books in 1998 that may be of interest to others:

       Perfectly Legal: The Covert Campaign To Rig Our Tax System To Benefit The Super Rich--And Cheat Everyone Else  This 2003 book by David Cay Johnston is sure to outrage and anger you, unless you are a beneficiary of this unjust system.

       A Declaration of Energy Independence: How Freedom from Foreign Oil Can Improve National Security, Our Economy, and the Environment by Jay Hakes  This somewhat technical 2008 book includes the history of our oil dependence and crises plus a number of potentially feasible and workable solutions to end our oil addiction once and for all, if only our elected officials, corporations and citizens have the courage and will to implement them.

        Fruitless Fall: The Collapse of The Honey Bee & the Coming Agricultural Crisis by Rowen Jacobsen  This somewhat technical 2008 book is a celebration of food and nature which surmises the cause(s) of the recent worldwide prevalence of  "Colony Collapse Disorder" and speculates what agriculture would be like without honeybees and other important pollinators.

     I'm currently reading:  Thieves In High Places:They've Stolen Our Country And It's Time To Take It Back by Jim Hightower.  This 2003 book chronicles how George Dubya Bush and the extreme right-wing of the Republican Party has run roughshod over our rights, shredded the Constitution and changed government for the worse for most citizens.

     

Movies Worth Watching or Renting:

  "Traitor" Don Cheadle plays a devout Moslem who both helps and stops terrorists.

  "Slumdog Millionaire"  Director Danny Boyle (Director of  "Trainspotting", "28 Days Later", etc.) tells the story of Jamal a basically uneducated, poor orphan in India who grows up to overcome much tragedy and adversity to win over one million rupees (Indian currency) in the Indian version of  "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", all for the love of his boyhood friend Latika, who has her own share of adversity. What's interesting is not so much that he won, but how he won. I wouldn't be surprised if this film isn't at least nominated for Best Foreign Film. 

(to be cont'd?)

Essay: "Xmas or Stressmas?, Part 2

Essay: "Xmas or Stressmas? or "A Cynical Curmudgeon's Commentary on Christmas", Part 2

       Stressmas also reminds me of the injustices one experiences year-round. For instance, at least 433 turkeys (in Congress) escaped Thanksgiving slaughter, and that doesn't include the fowls in the Judicial and Executive branches of government, plus politicians in general.

       Stressmas also reminds me of the inevitability of: being screwed by the IRS; lied to by politicians; deceived by religious conmen and the government; constantly subjected to eternal bureaucracy and red tape; and regardless of what the so-called investigators have concluded, been gouged by the oil companies,etc.

       Luckily, the inevitability of misery, misfortune and injustice can be offset in at least 1001 ways. I also must admit, no matter how bad things get there will always be some things to be grateful for.

       If justice exists in this world, Jesse Helms and his ilk will either get voted out of office or (we can only hope) will oneday die a slow and painful death; Generic products still cost much less than name brands...

       The most thankful event on Thanksgiving was the recent resignation of Margaret Thatcher. At least it calmed the IRA down...

       Best of all, there's no law saying that one can't buy Xmas presents as if running a business. Here's how: The object is to spend as little as possible and to get as high a return as possible. For instance, I have bought recent hardcover books worth around $17.00 for only 50 cents. I could spend around $1.oo per person and get as much as a hundred-fold profit in return. That's one way I should survive the coming bad years.

       One more thing: Merry Stressmas and May the Stress not be with you.

      [Originally written for Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern    student newspaper in December 1990 or 1991. Also part of my unpublished manuscript: "In Meciocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die: and other Essays.] 

Essay: "Xmas or Stressmas?", Part 1

Essay: "Xmas or Stressmas?" or "A Cynical Curmudgeon's Commentary on Christmas" Part 1

 [Originally published in December 1990 or 1991 in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die and other Essays]

       I have just recently recovered from the trauma of Thanksgiving, or more cynically, 'Thanks-For-Nothing-Worth-Giving Day. Anyway, it seems that the Animals were right when they sang: "It's a hard world to get a break in. All the good things are taken..." At times it seems that there's less to show gratitude for every year. To make matters worse, Christmas decorations and sales go up the day after Thanks-For-Nothing-Worth-Giving Day. Sometimes even earlier. To add insult to injury, at least two Boston area radio stations play all Christmas music starting around Hallowe'en.

       I lost the so-called Christmas Spirit eons ago. Even when I was once actually excited about Christmas, I was a Scrooge and I expect I will continue to be one far into the future. Come to think of it, I no longer even refer to Xmas as Christmas. On every gift and Xmas card I reluctantly buy or send I write Merry Stressmas." For me, it is a second annual tradition that will likely last until I die.

       Stressmas season reminds one in oh so many ways that the only guarantees in life are misery and misfortune (Death and Taxes belong to both categories). Bills are just about due. Tuition tends to go up. My boss typically gives either nothing or worthless trinkets instead of an Xmas raise or bonus.

       Just about any potential Xmas gift has an artificially inflated price-tag to add to other aggravations. It's also cold out and the car always seems to break down at the most inopportune times.

       Holidays also give a cold reminder of the cruelties of fate since relatives are often what makes Stressmas (and other holidays) most stressful. Certain relatives I would give up up a substantial amount of my pay to never have met. Some of them continue to treat me like I'm eight years old to this day: "Wear a suit. Sit where we say. No TV.  It's rude to look at the paper when all of your kin are together. Maybe we won't invite you back..." (What a dubious tragedy that would be!)

       Certain relatives I have to deal with around the holidays are: an elderly spinster with a Marie Antoinette-like Superiority Complex, with no convenient guillotine in sight; and a loudmouth uncle who is darn lucky we don't all gang up on him and do him in. (to be cont'd)

 

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 7 of 7

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 7

       As a last resort, you could always go on a tax strike. Of course, there would likely be unpleasant consequences if you did. Two hundred plus years ago, people used to complain about "Taxation without Representation". Now, taxation is often out of control, in spite of or because of representation. If enough people dared to refuse to pay taxes as a protest, they could bring the government to a virtual standstill. Unfortunately, the politicians and the wealthy would hardly be affected at all.

       We should get rid of politicians who are overly concerned with pleasing the wealthy. Vote them right out of office. Make sure that education doesn't become exorbitant for the less-fortunate and the middle-class alike. We should all do more to save and preserve the environment, and on and on. People with common interests should come together to promote their interests for a better world. And we should all try harder to strive to be the best we can possibly be in all areas of society. Otherwise, if we settle for mediocrity, especially in our choice(s) of leaders, life in America will likely continue to get worse and worse. Perhaps to the point where the sign in Dante's Inferno: " Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here" may apply to our once great nation. 

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 6

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 6

       Apathetic or not, if you have any complaints or any sense of dissatisfaction with the way that politicians and others lead this nation, register to vote, get involved; or do whatever it takes to ensure that you do not get screwed by the System or society itself. Politicians would like us to forget that the Declaration of Independence states: "We have such inalienable rights as Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness... When the government no longer serves in the peoples best interest (i.e. the Reagan-appointed Rehnquist Court), "the people have the right to alter or abolish it." I don't necessarily believe that this should entail sedition, but if, for instance, more people registered to vote and cast ballots; we would not continue to get the disservice of a Republican administration which typically puts the whims of the wealthy above the needs of the poor. (to be cont'd) 

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 5

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 5

       Graduating seniors, hoping to land a dream job in your chosen field? A handful of lucky ones will, but most of you will either be in for a long search; or you may have to settle for flipping burgers; or worse mediocre, low-paying dead-end jobs you don't even need education for.

       New students, hoping to get a substantial scholarship? In many cases, thanks to career politicians, you'll be lucky to receive a student loan. As if you need to start out with a huge debt once you graduate.

       What can be done about American mediocrity?: Should we dump most or all of the long-time, fat-cat career politicians?: More often than not, yes. Perhaps it is time to limit the term of most officeholders to no more than ten or twelve years in any elected position, if that.

       People with political aspirations could then run for a different position though, such as a mayor running for governor, governor running for Congress or President, or a senator running for representative, or vice versa. In my opinion though, politicians should be barred from becoming lobbyists in the same chamber they once served as politicians. That way, we can hopefully all benefit from the leadership experience of our elected leaders without them giving too much power and influence to those special-interest groups; who all-too often end up being counterproductive to the interests of the electorate.  (to be cont'd)  

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 4

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 4        [Originally published in the "Midnight Rambler" column of Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern newspaper in 1992 and part of unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die"]

        What has happened to our country and its people?: Nothing is pristine anymore. Greed usually comes before what is right or makes sense. Apathy is all-pervading, and too many of us are complacent about the way things are; or the way things the Reagan/Bush administrations want things to be. It is easy to conclude that Americans evidently don't care enough to make this nation be the best it can possibly be, or at least live up to its lofty ideals.

       Do we have bad taste or lousy judgment? Perhaps it is more than a coincidence that the parents of the children who adore the wretched New Kids On the Block overwhelmingly voted for such less-than exemplary leaders as Ronald Reagan (twice!), Jimmy Carter, George Bush, and Jesse Helms, among other lousy politicians over the last decade or more.

       As a result of bad decisions, apathy, and inaction, we are currently undergoing a national, state, and local recession all over the nation. Thinking of finding a decent job in the near-future? Chances are good that many of us will be fortunate to get any job we can, never mind a dream job in your chosen field. (to be cont'd)

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 3

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 3

       There are, of course, plenty of so-called popular entertainers who are mediocre minor-talents. Peewee (aka Paul Reubens) Herman's eternal child act never was very funny, and even PeeWee/Reuben's alleged antics in an adult theatre in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida did not change his status as a minor-talent. Other minor-talents and has-beens in the entertainment industry include: Barry Manilow, Mr. T, Bobcat Goldthwait, most of the aliased so-called rap musicians, and a whole galaxy of other short-lived stars.

       Politics is, of course, the major stronghold of American mediocrity. Ronald Reagan is, as I see it, the Patriarch of American mediocrity, since this country has gone so far downhill after his eight years in office. Dan Quayle is likewise the epitome of American mediocrity for obvious reasons.

       Congress is a major country club, fraternity, and indeed a menagerie of mediocrity, and as a result, career politicians have transformed this nation from something to be proud of (home of the free... land of opportunity... etc.) to a place where mediocrity and poor quality has become the rule rather than the exception. If things continue as they are or get worse, I can perhaps foresee this country changing from a place where the American Dream truly exists to an abattoir (slaughterhouse) of nearly everyone's hopes, dreams, and ambitions. (to be cont'd) 

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 2

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 2

      There is very little originality in the movie business these days. An unfortunate trend is sequelitis. If a movie does well, it is inevitable that at least one sequel will be made, even if the original movie sucked. To make matters worse, these days a lot of movies are remakes of old television series, even the bad ones.

       Likewise, much of the MTV-inspired drivel is mediocre at best. It is amazing to me how much adoration and adulation many of us have for such inconsequential no-talents as: the New Kids with a Talent-Deficiency, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli (the 'Pet Rocks' of the music industry), Madonna, and many others. Only time will tell if any of them last beyond this decade. Many of these acts are more style than substance. If not for music videos, not one of these alleged musicians would sell many records or CDs. The unfortunate flip-side of this new fact of the music business is that bands or soloists with more substance (talent) than style (image) have ever-increasing trouble making it in the music industry these days. (to be cont'd) [I apologize to Madonna for survivng two plus decades as a performer; I must admit she has improved over time; This was obviously written more than a decade ago but is still relevant] 

Essay: "American Mediocrity" , Part 1

Essay: "American Mediocrity" Part 1 of Several  [Originally published in Eastern Connecticut State University's  "Campus Lantern" student newspaper and part of the unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die", a collection of Essays written in 1992]

       Could this be our last hurrah as a major power? If things continue as they currently are, will the United States continue to be one of the most desirable places for anyone to live?

       After at least two decades of awful to mediocre Presidents, we have inherited a legacy of mediocrity, spanning from Maine to California and beyond. Mediocrity is nearly everywhere to be found these days, and is indeed one of the few things in overabundance.

       The entertainment industry is a prime example of all-pervading mediocrity or 'media-ocrity'.

For example, "Home Alone" was a pretty mediocre film, but it had about the biggest box office receipts for several weeks. Not only that, but it was even nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, no doubt due to its popularity at the box office. It was also, I believe, the number one film for several months. Similarly, the pathetically stupid "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movies were so popular that several sequels were filmed. (to be cont'd)

Poetry: "Lady Fair, Lady Plain"

Poetry: "Lady Fair/ Lady Plain"  [a work in progress]

         My Lady Fair, she once was plain

          Fashion and makeup are all that's in her brain

         My Lady Plain, she once was fair

         Lost interest in tending to her hair

           My Lady Fair, she once was plain

            Got cosmetic surgery all the way to Spain

           My Lady Plain, she once was fair

            Guys still liked her derriere

             My Lady Fair, she once was plain

              Fretted at every ounce she gained

              My Lady Plain, she once was fair

               Broke her neck on the bottom stair... (tbc?)

Satire: "Surviving the Reagan/Bush Repression", Part 3

Satire: "How to Survive the Reagan/Bush Repression", Part 3

       You could always sponge off of friends, relatives, strangers, and acquaintances, and if you are good enough at it you may have a long, successful future ahead of you as a political candidate.

       Sell your neighbor'(s) trash as a stranger's treasure. Perhaps you could even sell it back to the very people who threw it out in the first place. Just hope P.T. Barnum was right about there being a  "sucker born every minute".  After all, both Reagan and Bush owe their elections to the Presidency to legions of these suckers. In other words, perhaps you and I.

       After eight years of Reagan and four years of Bush, it is easy to believe that no quality political candidates truly exist, but perhaps someday a decent candidate may clamber out of the slime that Reagan, Bush, and other politicians or alleged leaders tend to slither in. Until that day comes, pray (if your so inclined), forget your hopes, dreams and ambitions, or head North, East, South or West of our border, like our Fortune 500 companies have already started doing.

[This was written about sixteen years ago, but is still relevant to what is going on with the economy right now.]

Satire: "Surviving the Reagan/Bush Repression", Part 2

Satire: "How to Survive the Reagan/Bush Re/Pression", Part 2

       Mint your lint: Save, buy, sell, beg, borrow or steal all the multi-purpose lint you can get your hands on. That's right, lowly but versatile lint, the residue that remains when your laundry is done or that sometimes clings to one's belly button. Lint can be woven into blankets, clothing, tents, textiles, etc. It can even conceivably be used to trap small oft overlooked game, such as squirrels, essential to the diet of anyone whose unemployment benefits have been severed by overpaid Congressmen. Lint can also be used as tinder, or while ablaze can conceivably keep one warm on cold nights, while the government does the same with their uncleared checks after they foreclose on public housing. Finally, lint can perhaps be sewn into a noose for all the fallen politicians.

                                             How do you like your Roadkill?

       Start thinking up recipes for roadkill. Up to now, freshly killed Street Pizza has been largely overlooked for its tangible nutritional value. With George Herbert Walker Bush still in office beyond 1992, look forward to BBQ'd roadkill, roadkill soup, roadkill stew, and even roadkill pie a la mode. Perhaps the next big business will be Freeze-dried Roadkill. I'm also sure that Street Pizza could be very marketable on the Black Market. Man am I getting hungry. If you say yes to George Bush in November, you may be saying yes to years of eating roadkill, or perhaps for your neighbors and friends having to eat Street Pizza for the length of his time in office. After all, with his policies your pretty much on your own... (to be cont'd)

       

Satire: "How to Survive the Reagan/Bush Re/Pression"

Satire: "How to Survive the Reagan/Bush Repression" Part 1   [Originally published in Eastern Connecticut State University's April Fool's edition of  "The Campus Lantern"  April 1, 1992 as 'Snide Remarks'; also part of the unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die"]

       In 1988, Bruce Springsteen said, during concerts: "Don't you vote for that F#^*in' George Bush". You didn't listen. I apologize for those of you who did not vote for Bush back then, but plenty of folks fooled by Ronald Reagan for eight years were equally fooled by George Bush. Now, it appears possible that Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dim [Bush and Quayle; Reagan was Tweedle Dum] may very well get re-elected... Thus, we all better start preparing for the next  Great Re/Pression (Recession/Depression).

       Keep in mind, there are some exquisite diamonds, gold and gems, among other things, but there are few or no exquisite politicians or leaders, especially in the Reagan/Bush administrations. 

       There are three main rules for surviving the Reagan/Bush Re/Pression:

                     I: If it's free it's for me

                     II: If it costs then get lost!

                   III: If it's cheap it's to keep.     [To be cont'd]

Poetry: "Buy, Buy. Buy"

Poetry: "Buy, Buy, Buy"

            Buy, Buy, Buy and Yuletide's nigh

            For some people the limit's the sky

            Credit cards are all maxed out

             Solvency is now in doubt

                Buy, Buy, Buy

                For home equity I did apply

                At Stress-mas time your brain is fried

                 Hoping for a bargain-sale

                  Just before my credit fails

                  Get more Heads, Go home Tails

               Buy, Buy, Buy, Get yourself a Pie

                When your bills come due you want to cry

                 Or if in dire straits you want to die, or sigh or fly... (tbc?)

Poetry: "Smitten with a Kitten"

Poetry: "Smitten with a Kitten" [a work in progress]

                Dedicated to cat-lovers I know

              Smitten with a kitten

              It's tawny fluffy fur

              By the feline bug been bitten

              It's no dependent cur

              A ball of yarn it's hittin'

              With paws that look like mittens... (tbc?)

               

Poetry: Bits and Pieces

Poetry: Bits and Pieces

           Untitled [a work in progress]

          You never know until you try

           At least you know you're gonna die

           With tissues you can dry your eyes

            You needn't waste time by getting high... (tbc?)

            Untitled [a work in progress]

           Wait one hour ere ye swim

            Wait 'til later to go in... (tbc?)

           Untitled [a work in progress]

           Suckin' on a tailpipe

            Hopin' for the worst

            Before he knew it his sole ambition burst... (tbc?)

            Untitled [a work in progress]

           I never met a book I couldn't put down

           I'd rather spend my night on the town

           But when I'm home just leave me be

            I'd rather spend my time watching tv... (tbc?) 

Some Poetry Fragments

Some Poetry Fragments:

                          "3rd Rail"

           Joey hit the third-rail but survived

           I don't know how he survived

           Seems that he will thrive

           If not he can always take a dive

           Then perhaps in Hell he'll writhe...

                   "Baseball Cards"

         The baseball cards you had

          Your mom she threw them out

          If you had them now

          You'd be rich no doubt... (tbc?)

           "Dine and Whine"

             Dine and whine

              A child's design

              You start to cringe

              When they [a kid] scream: "It's mine!"

               Keep him or her out of your peaceful shrine... (tbc?)

              

Poetry: "K-9s"

Poetry: "K-9s"

               Canines prefer people- food

                They'll settle for some kibble

                If you withhold doggie-treats

                They're not about to quibble

                 They'll still slobber with delight 

                 With good old-fashioned spittle... (tbc?)

Poetry Fragments

Some Poetry Fragments: 

                          

                 "Nothing's Fine in Columbine" [a work in progress]

                   Nothing's fine in Columbine

                   And Bush is still in office

                   The government likes to screw the poor in each and every orifice.

                    Nothing's fine in Columbine

                    The shooters had some guns

                     Their victims failed to run

                    Thanks to all the copy-cats the story isn't done. (tbc?)

                   "Rage Against the Bush Regime"

                   The Bill of Rights is endangered

                   By Right-Wingers full of anger

                   That's what happens when decisions are made by unelected strangers... (tbc?)

                    "Poison of the Mind"

                     Porn is poison of the mind

                     Rewind right to her bare behind... (tbc?)

                     "The Dog"

                      The dog dropped its bone, ran out into the road

                      Got hit by a truck

                       Was squashed like a toad... (tbc?)

                     "Smog"

            

                       Smog may kill you over time

                       It won't make you cry

                       But you'll be sad

                        You're gonna die... (tbc?)

                       "I've Gotta Go"

                        I've got to go.

                        Can't miss my show.

                         The day's elapsing too damned slow

                         I earn some dough

                         Move to and fro

                          Hope my bankroll starts to grow... (tbc?)

                    

           

            

Poetry: Extended "Butterflies and Moths"

Poetry: Extended version of "Butterflies and Moths" or "Double Standards"

              I could never harm a butterfly/ But I could kill a moth

              Butterflies are graceful./ Moths eat your cloth.

              Butterflies are nice and bright./Moths burn up when drawn to light.

              On your sweaters moths do bite./ In your home do not invite.

               If moths were human I'd indict./ Through open window they'll take flight.

               But they'll sneak in when it is light.

                   I could kick some pigeons but I'd never harm a dove

                   Pigeons are squalid./ Doves signify love.

                   Pigeons are filthy when handled with gloves

                   Some say doves are from Up Above

                   Pigeons live life like a slob

                    But taste quite good when served as squab.

              I would never harm a bee

              But I could kill a wasp

              Bees pollinate flowers

              Wasps can sting you non-stop...(tbc?)

         

      

Poetry: "The Problem with Pesticides"

Poetry: "The Problem with Pesticides" [a work in progress]

             Pesticides will destroy the bugs but harm ye later on

             It will also kill the fish if gotten in a pond.

             Herbicides will kill the weeds and leach into the water

              Then one day the toxic waste will get into your daughter

              Toxic waste will cause great havoc in air, ground or sea

              The ones who often pay the price are often you and me

               Dioxin from the paper mills gets into the rivers

               Soon thereafter one day it gets into our livers... (tbc?)

Poetry: "L. Tryptophan"

 Poetry: "L.Tryptophan" [a work in progress]

           I'm not a huge fan of L. Tryptophan

           Asleep on the couch

           After meals in my house

           From turkey in the oven or a pan

           From a farm, in a van

           I'm feelin' so groggy

           My mind is still foggy... (tbc?)

Poetry: "Girls, Guns and Gadgets"

Poetry: "Girls, Guns and Gadgets" [a work in progress]

                 Girls, Guns and Gadgets

                 Such movies are fun

                 Like James Bond from across the pond

                 And his girls from around the world

                 Femmes fatales up against a wall

                 Not only guys enjoy the world of spies

                 Though the C.I.A. it always lies

                  And innocents they always die

                  When espionage comes about

                   Terrorism increases without a doubt... (tbc?)

Poetry: "A Writer's Alchemy"

Poetry:  "A Writer's Alchemy" [a work in progress]

                To turn graphite to diamond

                Or ink into gold

                'Tis every author's goal

                [To be] On bestseller listings before I'm too old

                 Turn paper to dollars

                 A fatter billfold

                 But editors can be so cold

                  Sell more books or go on the dole... (tbc?)

         

              

Expose' of Patient Mistreatment at Pembroke Hospital

Expose' of Patient Mistreatment at Pembroke Hospital

       Pembroke Hospital is a private psychiatric hospital in Pembroke, Massachusetts. A year or so ago the Patriot Ledger newspaper featured an article about alleged patient mistreatment by staff occurring between 2006-2007. I'm reluctant to admit it, but in late June of 2005 my boss sent me there by ambulance because in her judgment I was acting erratically and she assumed she was "helping me" or doing me a big favor by sending me to this horrible psychiatric hospital. Against my better judgment I signed myself in.

        In case you have never been in the setting of a psychiatric facility, being in such a place is a topsy-turvy microcosm of the world. If you express anger or frustration (a natural reaction to being locked up) you are considered  "psychotic" or worse and are subject to powerful psychotropic medicine or "meds" or even violent abuse from hospital-employed thugs (attendants or orderlies, etc.). What is considered  "normal behavior"  in a psych. ward would not be considered normal in the outside world and vice versa. Also, if you are nervous or aloof and don't try to socialize or interact with other patients you are also labeled and subject to unwanted and unneeded meds.

       I once heard a harmless female patient screaming loudly nearby. She was ganged up by hospital associates for refusing her meds. or for disrespecting the staff. I was tempted to come to her aid, but I wisely kept out of it.

       Once I was ganged up on by employees, man-handled and brought to the seclusion room to be forcibly medicated for something very minor. I was neither a  "danger to myself or others", so as far as I'm concerned they illegally medicated me. For that incident some of my blood ended up on the wall and pillow in the seclusion room. A worker took a picture of the blood even though he had a conflict of interest. However, I have no idea if the picture was shown to the so-called "human-rights officer" who herself had a conflict of interest and a bias toward the hospital employees who abused patients on a routine basis.

       At least once I was body-slammed to the hard floor by a group of hospital employees. They and I were lucky that I didn't break a rib or another bone or end up with a long-term injury.

       In the morning and evening there was a mandatory assembly for patients to discuss their progress. The head psychiatrist or attendant ran those groups with an iron fist. Such groups were really kangaroo courts with little or no tolerance for dissent. If you said or did something they didn't like they'd send you to your room, up your meds or sic the violent, abusive attendants on you (sometimes all three).

        In my view, medications were coercively prescribed not to "help" patients improve or recover, but to make them compliant or  "under control" while there.  I didn't need to go through the ordeal I went through by being at the hospital for about a month. I was threatened with possible six-month commitment if I didn't agree to stay there until they wanted me to leave. That really would've screwed up my life.  Next time a busy-body wants to put me in the hospital I won't stand for it. If worse comes to worse I might agree to a med change, but I hope I never go through the hell of being in Pembroke Hospital or a similar facility again.

Poetry: "Only Fate Is Crueler Than The Human Heart"

Poetry: "Only Fate Is Crueler Than The Human Heart" [a work in progress]

                Only Fate is crueler than the human heart

                Unrequited feelings can rip your chest apart

                 Attraction can seem so a la carte

                 Precursor to a broken heart

                 It seems so difficult to start

                 To avoid a lousy tart... (tbc?)

Poetry: "18 Children" A work in progress

Poetry:  "18 Children" [A work in progress] Based on a real family I heard about

                 Eighteen children living in a shack

                 Their father's a drunk, their mother's on her back

                  None saw a dentist, so they all had plaque

                  Once teeth rot they never do come back

                  Their waste [was] thrown out a window, it landed in a stack

                  Eighteen children in the woods of Maine

                  Their mother's on her back, their father wields a cane

                   There's little more to eat than leftover grain

                   In the cold of winter they feel a lot of pain

                   The roof it always leaks whenever it does rain

                   Their overalls have an awful lot of stains

                   They may have even starved if rodents were not slain

                   Eighteen children living in the cold

                   Their mother's on her back, their father is a scold

                    Huddling together, for warmth they had to hold

                    Eighteen children sleeping on the floor

                    Their mother's on her back, their father often swore

                    Huddled altogether near a drafty door

                    Covered with a tattered coat 'cuz they were so damned poor

                     Their father was oblivious and he liked to snore

                     In the early morning the cold it made then sore

                     Eighteen children wading through the snow

                     Their mother's on her back, their father is their foe

                     How did they survive when they lacked a lot of dough?

                      They often did go hungry with little food to grow

                      Eighteen children lacking enough food

                      Their parents could use birth control,

                       But they had a giant brood.

                      Eighteen children in the frigid weather

                       They really could have froze to death,

                        But they were tough as leather... (tbc?)

         

     

    

                

                    

             

"A Vampire/Demon Scenario", Part 2 of 2

Experimental Fiction: "A Vampire/Demon Scenario", Part 2 of 2

       We'll establish a ruthless, diabolical dictatorship lorded over by the Living Dead, with the Prince of Darkness as our deity and Lord and saviour.

       Before the dawn, we'll retire to our respective coffins. We'll close our bloodshot, nefarious eyes, but we'll be completely aware and alert for any foolish mortal who would dare to harm or kill us Creatures of the Night. They can't even bother us with useless, worthless and ineffective crucifixes or holy water, try as they might.

       If they want to plunge a wooden stake through our black hearts, let them try! Van Helsing or a certain perky, adolescent Vampire Slayer had better watch their step(s) around us. Most of the time we only harvest the old, the weak and the sick, or the ne'er-do-wells, mobsters, drug addicts, rapists, murderers, terrorists, the arrogant and insolent miscreants, reprobates, and those who buy, sell, wear or advertise fur.

       By the way, our chests and torsos are almost as  strong as tempered steel and as hard as an oak tree. For all I care, they can try to plunge a t-bone steak into our chest cavity.

       Our children: the bats, mosquitos, scorpions,leeches, gnats, fleas, ticks, scorpions, wolves, werewolves, and man-made or natural monsters of the world, will stalk and lethally attack any and all who dare challenge us... THE END

[When I shared this story rudiment in a writer's group they claimed " it wasn't a real story" because "it didn't have a beginning, a middle and an end. While no Steven King, I'm proud to have written this story though it may need to be revised a little bit.]

 

"A Vampire/Demon Scenario", Part 1

Experimental Fiction: "A Vampire/Demon Scenario"  [Lately,in this weblog I have given short fiction short-shrift. Today, I will try to make up for that]

         Be my succubus. I'll be your incubus. At the stroke of midnight we'll bare our sharp, scarlet-tinged fangs. We'll scamper through the woods and feed on our crimson sustenance.

         First you, then me:  We'll expose our alabaster throats like submissive dogs and suck just enough liquid plasma [blood] until we are sated and giddy and intoxicated with a perverse and demonic delight. Then we'll levitate three feet off the ground and disappear into the night amid the pea-soup fog. We'll blend into our surroundings and see with phosphorescent and luminescent eyes.

           We'll commune with and command the creatures of the night and vermin to do our bidding. If we feel up to it we'll ride motorcycles forged in the pits of Hell. We'll become bats and our leathery wings will flap into the opaque sky in the dead of night.

           We'll use our echolocation [sonar] system to locate prey to feed on and we'll recruit some of our victims to become our slaves: to become unrelenting, unpaid mercenaries in the growing legions of the undead. As soon as we are able, we'll take over the entire earth and cosmos and harvest sweet, red, salty, tasty blood from our minions. [Part 1 of 2 ( to be cont'd)].

Poetry: "My Paycheck Stinks"

Poetry:  "My Paycheck Stinks"

                My paycheck stinks!

                 It might as well be in invisible ink.

                 It's gone in a blink.

                 Flushed down the toilet or lost in the sink.

                 Gone down the drain

                 By working there what have I to gain?

                  All I get is a poverty-stain...

Risque Poetry: "Prone and Supine"

Risque Poetry:  "Prone and Supine"

                   Prone and Supine took a nap

                   They wound up in each other's lap

                   Their parents didn't need a map

                   They didn't need to set a trap...

                  Prone and Supine went to a dance

                  Somewhere in the south of France

                  Perhaps they went into a trance

                  They wound up in each other's pants...

                  Prone and Supine had some fun

                  They stuck around 'til they were done

                  Prone was a priest and Supine a nun

                  From the Vatican they had to run...

Song Lyrics: "Pristine and Pretty"

Song Lyrics: "Pristine & Pretty"

                She was pristine and pretty

                She sure has changed

                'Til she moved to the city

                 She's scrounging for change

                 It sure is a pity

                 She used to be witty

                 Now she's acting so strange... (tbc?)

       

Subversive Poetry: "There Ain't No Heaven..."

A rather risque poem:  "A Rocket In My Pocket"

                            I have a rocket in my pocket

                            Ever searching for a socket

                            Searching for a little socket

                            With some kind of sprocket

                            With her picture in a locket...

                                   "Love's a Game..."

                            Love's a game with bullshit rules

                            And we all play 'cuz we're all fools

                            Searching for our innate tools

                            Scoping out the swimming pools

                            Pretending we are always cool

                            Showing that we are a tool...

Subversive Poetry: "There Ain't No Heaven..."

Subversive Poetry: "There Ain't No Heaven (and Hell is Here)

                          Life is tough so you gotta be rough

                          Hope a lawyer gets ye in the clear

                           There ain't no heaven and Hell is here!

                         Don't let the Devil call your bluff

                         Work real hard but have no career?

                         There ain't no heaven and Hell is here!

                        Don't let The Man give ye guff

                        Try to dwell without your fear

                        There ain't no heaven and Hell is here!

                        Sometimes take more than enough

                        Live and work while others jeer

                        There ain't no heaven and Hell is here!

                      Life is rough so you gotta be tough

                      Endure thyself another year

                      There ain't no heaven and Hell is here!

                      Don't let the Devil call your bluff

                      On New Year's ye pretend to cheer

                      There ain't no heaven and Hell is here!

         

                       Sometimes bear more than enough,

                      So have yourself another beer

                      There ain't no heaven and Hell is here! ... (tbc?)

Poetry: "The Enemy of My Enemy"

Poetry:  "The Enemy of My Enemy"

                 The enemy of my enemy is a friend

                 You never know who you'll defend

                 Break the rules or let them bend

                 Time to let the fences mend

                 Forgiveness is an ancient trend...

                   Untitled

               Cask and flagon

               Slew a dragon

               On the day [I] went off the wagon... (tbc?)

             

Poetry: "Another Mall"

Poetry: "Another Mall" [a work in progress]

              They built another mall

              But the forest had to fall

              In those trees were birds and bees

              Pollinators of the food we eat

              With nowhere else for bees to go

              Our produce will no longer grow

              Before all trees are gone bye-bye

              Don't let the useful creatures  die...

     

Poetry: "Through the Keyhole Voyeur", etc.

Poetry: "Through the Keyhole Voyeur" [a work in progress]

               There's no known cure

               For a through-the-keyhole voyeur

                So draw your shades and lock your door

               For Peeping Tom wants to see more.

                  There's no known cure

                  For a through-the-keyhole voyeur

                  So lock your door and draw your blinds

                  For the peeper never knows what he'll find...

               "4:20"

              At 4:20 we puff

              'Til we've had more than enough

              We do this every day

               Though illegal it stays

              And hope to keep the cops away...

                 

                

Poetry: "The Voyeuristic Mystic", etc.

Poetry:  "The Voyeuristic Mystic"

               I'm a mystic, voyeuristic

               Some would say I'm narcissistic

               I'm absolutely atheistic

               And hardly ever altruistic...

              "The Futility of Prayer"

              It's pointless to pray

              For God's far, far away

              Instead you can prey on believers today

              Who spend their day amid chemical spray,

              While children they play day after day

               In solar ray, with melanoma they'll pay

               As their elder folk lay near a cafeteria tray...

               An untitled work in progress:

             My mother's in the nursing home

             My father's in the grave

             My uncle's in the madhouse because he rants and raves

             My aunt is in the poorhouse for all the dough she gave

              My boss he likes to treat me like I was a slave...

Poetry: "Tic, Tic, Tic..."

Poetry:  "Tic, Tic, Tic..." [a work in progress]

         

                 Tic, tic, tic, time goes so quick

                 Dwelling on [it] could make you sick

                 Tic, tic, tic, time goes so fast

                 Pleasant times weren't meant to last

                 If you live you're doin' time

                 And being born's your only crime

                 Pay attention to the clock

                 As the reaper starts to knock

                 Become dependent as you age

                 On your lifespan Death may rage...

                 

                  

                 

Poetry: "Fungus Amongus"

Poetry: "Fungus Amongus"

  

             Fungus Amongus

             Mold on our bread

             Eat too much and you could be dead

             Or wake up sometime later with all kinds of dread

             And the ambulance-driver would pick you up from your bed...

Poetry: Reedited "T and A or TLC"

Poetry: Reedited "T & A or T.L.C."

               T & A or T.L.C., which one will it be for ye?

               As a rule guys choose T & A, every night and every day

               Girls choose love, or T.L.C., at least as far as I can see

               You might get both if you date a nurse

               But she will choose which one is first. 

Subversive Poetry: " Enron Crooks"

Subversive Poetry:   [may eventually be simul-posted on my political blog "Rage Against the [Bush] Regime" at http://www.the midnightrambler-theiconoclast.blogspot.com]

                    "Enron Crooks"

           Exploiting a loophole, they flouted the law.

           Deceiving the people, their character flaw.

           While we were distracted, they stole all our money.

           Not even comics would call this crime funny.

           Many corporate marauders get off scot-free,

           'Cuz CEO-crooks are more politically important than we.

                  

Subversive Poetry: "I Pledge Allegiance"

Poetry:  "I Pledge Allegiance ... to the U.S. Constitution"

          [Simul-posted on my other blog: "Rage Against the Regime" at http:www.themidnightrambler-theiconoclast.blogspot.com]

            I pledge allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, not the flag

           Under Bush, the Bill of Rights is burning like a rag

           If burning flags becomes a crime

           The First Amendment's not worth a dime

           Bush's pals can't take Dissent

            To Iraq or Afghanistan our sons are sent

            Let's put McCain's campaign to bed

            'Til Right-Wing thinking is buried and dead.

            "Failin' with Sarah Palin"

            With Sarah Palin McCain is Failin'

            His campaign ought to be bailin'

            Except for Voter Suppression

            McCain should be Trailin'

            The Grand Old Party is thankfully ailin'

            And into the White House Obama should be sailin'

Halloween Poetry

Halloween Poetry:  "The Devil Lives..."

                                

                                The Devil lives and Evil dwells

                                In all our hearts

                                I'm sure Dr. Frankenstein is not the only one

                                Using stolen body parts

                                 "Hellraiser's" Pinhead says,

                                "We'll tear your soul apart."

                                  To be in Hell is

                                  About as bad as retrieving shopping carts...

                                Possible work in progress:

                               To be unclean, on Hallowe'en

                               Is asking for kids to be real mean.

                               They'll egg your car

                               Then run real far

                               And shatter windows with a candy bar...

                            "If it has..."

                        If it has a mouth it can eat,

                        So be swift on your feet.

                        If it has teeth it can bite

                        In the dark of the night,

                        So run with all of your might.

                        If it can bite it can kill,

                        And your blood it may spill.

                        If it has talons 

                        It can spill blood by the gallons

                        If ye have a gun or knife

                        You'll save your wife

                        Or save your life.

                        With feral beasts the forest's rife.

Poetry

Poetry:  "Put a Stop to Corporate Greed"

                There shouldn't even be a fee

                There's no doubt it should be free

                You better pay heed

                To put a stop to corporate greed...

                "Everyone's Expendable"

                 Everyone's expendable

                 So breakable and bendable

                 It really is commendable

                 That legacies seem never-endable.

              "Stream of Consciousness"

               We travel through time.

                And we don't spend one lousy dime.

                The world is so sublime.

                Cards of Tarot, Clarence Darrow

                Broken, Dead or Dying sparrow

                Predict tomorrow

                 A world of sorrow

                 No more money left to borrow...

              

                 

                

          

Poetry

Poetry:  "Everyone's Got A.D.D."

                 Everyone's go A.D.D

                 They cannot read or write

                 More oft than not, for job interviews

                 They'll never get invited

                 Our public education system ought to be indicted.

                     Everyone's got A.D.D.

                     They cannot learn a thing

                     Many do find other ways to pay for all their  'bling'...

               "Living Will"

           Congress they did file a bill

           To nullify her Living Will

           Make sure you sign your Living Will

           Ere your fate's decided on Capitol Hill...

           Untitled Work in Progress

         Don't go to war.

         Never mind esprit de corps.

         While you fight with all your might

         Adrenaline you may feel.

         In intermittent time you'll be quite bored

         Waiting in a field...         

Poetry: "Throw in the Trowel", etc.

Poetry:  "Throw in the Trowel"

                Throw in the trowel

                Sell the farm

                Pesticides do too much harm.

                Fruits and veggies, flowers and trees

                Where are all the honey bees?

                Are the buzzing bees alive?

                 There's no activity in the hive...

                Untitled

             When hair starts to fall out

              From nuclear fallout

              You don't have much longer to live

              No matter what you get or give

              At least ye don't have HIV... 

Poetry

Poetry:   Untitled

               As my inbox fills with spam

               I click on another scam

               I find myself swear, "Goddamn"

               As my computer loses RAM.

              Poetry Fragment: Untitled work in progress

             Burn the forests, cut the trees

             Global warming in the breeze...

Poetry

Poetry: "Friends and Foes"

             You can never have too many friends or too few foes

             It's time to change the status quo

             If trends recur there'll be much woe

             Thank God Bush is about to go

             With Bush's term about to end

             His policies we need to mend

             Though we no longer have the dough

             End the war but take things slow...

           

Subversive Poetry: "Off Like a Prom Dress"

Poetry: "Off Like a Prom Dress"

Off like a prom dress

On goes the light

If her father, brother caught you

There sure would be a fight

Put on your clothing

Run for your life

Flee from the shotgun or stiletto knife.

Poetry

Poetry:  "Wintertime Memories"   [Wintertime weather is already here. It's so close to winter it's scary. (Poem written on behalf of a Red Hat Society member.]

           We all gripe about the cold

           As we're getting  "so old"

           But, with fondness I'm told:

           Do you recall snowballs and

           Snowmen and skiing and sledding?

           And skating on ice was once so very nice.

           And on weekends we'd be sledding.

           When winter was over (in youth) you were dreading.

           Now Global Warming is where we are heading.

Subversive Poetry: "Thugs on Drugs"

Poetry:   "Thugs on Drugs"

                 A group of thugs

                 All hooked on drugs

                 Knocked over a store

                 Lookin' to score

                 Some were too high

                 And their plans went awry

                 When a copter from the sky

                 Alerted the cops

                 Determined to stop their crime

                 None of them wanted to do no time

                 So guns were drawn

                 When they stepped on the lawn

                 Flying lead

                 Meant many fell dead

                 One got away

                 But, a year to the day

                 While wearing a truss

                 He got hit by a bus...

Poetry

Poetry:       "My Class Clown"

                  

                     I'm proud of my class clown.

                    Although his grades are way down.

                    In his soup he nearly drowned.

                    Makes his elders often frown.

                    Pointed out stains on his teacher's gown.

                    She wants to run him out of town.

                  Untitled

                 Maybe it's better.

                 Maybe it ain't

                 Your dream'(s) been dashed like a bucket of paint...

                  "Katherine Harris"

                  Thanks to that Floridian whore

                  We got George [W] Bush instead of Al Gore.

                   Now noone's there to help the poor.

                  'Cuz Bush is rotten to the core...

                 "On the Lam"

                  On the lam I run away

                  To keep me free another day

                  I fled the yard the first of May.

                 The warden vowed I now must pay

                  The only way I'll stay away

                  Perhaps I'll have to pray or prey...

Poetry

Poetry:   "Throw in the Trowel"

                 Throw in the trowel

                 Sell the farm

                 Pesticides do too much harm... (tbc?)

                Untitled

  

                 When hair starts to fall out

                  From nuclear fallout

                  You don't have much longer to live

                  No matter what you get or give

                  At least you don't yet have HIV...

                  "Sal Damona"

                 A guy from Roma

                 Sal Damona

                 Lay in the sun

                 Got melanoma

                 Then smoked and drank into a coma...

                 "Immor(t)ality"

                  Good thing the Immortal

                  Are not the Immoral!

                  We'd have unspeakable crimes,

                   Death, disease, pestilence, wars,

                  Poverty, injustice...

          

Subversive Poetry

Poetry: "Criminal Injustice"

                On the walls the blood was smeared

                The one who did it was widely feared

                At his victims he would leer,

                While getting drunk with many beers

                 At his arrest he shed no tears

                 His lawyer got him in the clear.

               "The Conservative Point of View"

       

                 With the conservative point of view

                 The rich get richer and the poor get screwed.

                 When the tax bill comes due

                  The Super-Affluent don't feel the blues,

                  While poorer folks will rue over auditing news...

       

             

Poetry

Poetry:      Untitled

          Drink some booze

          Whenever you choose

          But stay alive,

          Don't drink and drive.

                   Untitled

           Smooching the barrel of a .45

           The trigger jams

           She's still alive.

           The clock strikes five

           She hopes to thrive

           Or maybe she will take a dive...

Poetry

Poetry:          "Spontaneous Human Combustion"

                         Spontaneous Human Combustion

                         Attire afire

                         Things are getting kind of dire

                         Skin is singed

                         A blackish tinge

                         Hair's all aflame

                         A hellish endgame...

                     "Liquor on your Breath"

                      I smell liquor on your breath

                      Whether Johnny, Jane or Beth

                      In the morn' you'll feel like death

                      At least your not on crystal meth

                      I'm glad your still alive

                      If you imbibe don't drink and drive.

                  

Subversive Poetry: "George W. Bush", etc.

Subversive Poetry:

                                 "George W. Bush"

            

                                   An insidious threat

                                   Put us all into debt

                                   There's a huge need to fret

                                   When you settle for what you get

                                    Your tears are still wet

                                    As President Idiot takes off on his jet...

                                     "Insanium in the Cranium"

                                      Insanium in the Cranium

                                      Building bombs of spent Uranium

                                      A synergy of chemicals in all the waters

                                      Birth defects in our sons and daughters

                                      Air pollution in the sky

                                      I wonder when I'll eventually die

                                      But now all I can do is sigh...

Poetry

Poetry: "T&A or T.L.C."

                T&A or T.L.C.

                Guys oft make the choice.

                A kiss or a kick?

                A hug or a drug?

                Dynomite or TNT?

                Which would ye choose?

                Most guys prefer T&A

               At night or in the day

               Either way with a nurse you can't lose

               Which to many, is very good news

               With a nurse you can have both

               Better ride on your horse

               You can do a lot worse... (tbc?)

                

               Untitled

  

               What point is there to go to church 

                If God does not exist?

                Tell this to the devout

                They'll say, "Cease and desist".

                Or maybe strike ye with their fist

                Or put you on an Inquisition list...

            

                   

Poetry

Poetry:    "Don't Get Caught..."

                       

                    Do your worst, but don't get caught

                    There's nothing wrong with smoking pot

                    But in Malaysia you'll get shot

                    Or in a jail you'll truly rot...

                   Untitled

                  Tribal police searched for her niece

                  Luckily she wore a fleece

                  She was slain by a teenaged beast

                  Will we ever get some peace?

                   "Charge No Fee"

                It's ridiculous to charge a fee

                There's no doubt it should be free

                They charge so much I'd like to flee

                 I can't afford a shopping spree

                Or an Aspen place I'd like to ski

                Next they'll cut down all the trees

                And put up condos, no room for ye

                They're pesticides will kill the bees

                Resistance is the only key

                Not praying to the Holy See... 

                   

Poetry

Poetry:     "Ex-Wife"

                   Ex-Wife

                   Bitter-Half 

                   I make her sick

                  She makes me laugh

                 "A.D.D."

                  Everyone's got A.D.D.

                  They cannot read or write

                  Is it suger?,TV?

                  Who can we indict?...

Poetry

Poetry:       "Karl Rove"

                     Lower than the lowest snake

                     Every word he says is fake

                     Evil as the Lord of Flies

                     Fools they still believe his lies...

               "WWTJD?" or "What Would Thomas Jefferson Do?"

                 Save the Constitution

                 For the Bill of Rights we need to fight

                 Ere Bush does it in with his Right-Wing judges,

                 Who will not budge with their backwards-thinking views

                 Stacking the courts while blood and oil spills in quarts

                 And our rights they will abort

                 As government coffers grow quite short

                We hear bad tidings on the news

                And poorer people feel the blues...

           

Subversive Poetry

Poetry:  "There is no Fee..."

               There is no fee for an STD

               But it costs VD

               You get the clap and you feel like crap

               You're lucky you can see...

              "My Favorite Colors"

              My favorite colors are blue and blonde

              Tropic island full of fronds

              Of brunettes I'm also fond

              Fish and frogs within a pond

              I could do one or two or quite a few

             'Cuz I have nothing better to do

              Salmonella's in the stew... 

Subversive Poetry

Poetry: "God is a Global Terrorist"

               God is a Global Terrorist.

               His latest attack on mankind: Tsunamis

               Devastating the lives of legions of innocent, helpless people of all walks of life

               Taking away their homes and property

               Making many starve and spreading malnutrition and disease

               Like an anthill disturbed by a gardeners sharp spade

               I suppose we are their [the ants] cruel God

              Or a Feral Father's casually cruel abuse

              If God wills this, what is His rationale?

Poetry

Poetry  "Atheists and Agnostics"

               Atheists don't go to church

               Agnostics seldom do

               Lapsed Caholics seldom go

               Their absent from the pews...

              Computer disks

              Storing data

              Computer Virus

              See you later.

           "Insane Asylum"

          

            Take your meds.

            Don't pee your beds.

            Don't comb your hair and you'll get dreds.

            Make a threat and we'll call the Feds.

            Use your fists and we'll roll some heads.

              

            

Poetry: "Never, Ever..."

Poetry: "Never, Ever..."

           Never, Ever, really clever

           Why he started this endeavor

           Hit his head with a sharp lever

           Later had some fingers severed...

        

A Poltical Poem

Poetry: "Hope on a Spindle"

            Our hopes on a spindle

            From our taxes they [politicians]  will swindle

           Do pols earn praise

           Voting for their own pay raise?

           Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Bush

           Perhaps its time we had a putsch

           All we need is a small push...

            

Still More Poetry in Honor of Banned Book Week

Still More Poetry in Honor of Banned Book Week:

     "Pray or Prey?"

       Pray or Prey, Tonight, Today

       For a God who isn't there

       Pray or Prey, Tonight, Today

       For a God who doesn't care

       Pray or Prey, Tonight, Today

       Though your life it isn't fair

        Prey, don't Pray

        If you double-dare

        Prey or Pray, Today, Tonight

        Other people you'll incite

         And perhaps you'll even cause a fight

         Or get violent visits in the middle of the night...

       Untitled

 

        Spam in my Inbox

        Jehovah's [Witnesses] at my door

        Redtide's at the shoreline

        Life's rotten to the core.

More Poetry in Honor of Banned Book Week

More Poetry in Honor of Banned Book Week

             

           Like a cyst from a bathroom tryst

           Like a strong drink with an arsenic twist

           You can't sin against God if he doesn't exist...

           A woman who's chaste is not often chased

           She dabs on some makeup with feminine haste...

           "The Dead Shall Rise..."

             The dead shall rise with God's demise

             All of our food is stinking with flies

             Are we to blame for the Father of Lies?...

It's Banned Books Week

Happy Banned Books Week:  It is rather ironic that Banned Books Week, starting Saturday September 27th is within one week of my 41st birthday. Such books as  "1984", "Catcher in the Rye" and even the "Harry Potter" series have been banned at libraries and other places by small-minded individuals, many of who have never even read the books they have sought to ban, burn or censor. In honor of banned books here is a rather risque' poem:

   Poetry:  "When the Clock Strikes 13"

             When the clock strikes thirteen girls go wild

              Is she a woman or is she a child?

              She's in between

              She just became another teen

              And her boyfriend's lean and mean... (tbc?)

A Short Poem: "Sisyphus"

Poetry: "Sisyphus" [Greek Myth]

              I push a boulder up a hill and then it rolls back down.

              The gods they've tried to punish me 'cuz I look like a clown

              Other folks go to cities, others go to town

               I'm stuck on this stinkin' hill

               I wish I would just drown...

Several Short Poems

Poetry:        "Every Mother's Nightmare..."

                Every mother's nightmare/Every father's fear

                Your daughter's are all knocked-up

                And your sons are drunk on beer... (tbc?)

                 "Sticks and Stones"

                 "Sticks and Stones" can you know what...

                  What a Goddamned Lie!

                  Verbal abuse can stress you out and make you want to die.

                   "Drink..."

                 Drink until your bladder's full

                 Then you'll talk a lot of bull

                 With your friends you'll have no pull

                 Like a sheep without its wool... (tbc?)                 

Poetry: "Life Is a Game..."

Poetry:       "Life Is A Game..."

               Life is a game that's certainly fixed

               One day your life is nixed

               By a beast with six, six, six

               From a place near the Fort Dix

               Worshipped by the local hicks

               From rural places like French Licks

               Then by someone your locks get picked

               And your time-bomb heart goes Tick-Tick-Tick

               And Dynomite has lit its wicks

               Misfortune has entered the mix

                And time goes by so Goddamned quick... (tbc?)

A Couple Short Poems

Poetry:      "Allergic to Bees..."

             He was allergic to bees and got stung

             Had anaphylaxis, he thought he was done

             He also smoked and coughed up a lung

             Ate moldy bread, but he didn't know

             Now he is dead, I've gotta go.

                    "Arrow to a Sparrow"

               I hit a sparrow with an arrow

               Pierced its bone right through the marrow

               Put its corpse in a wheelbarrow

               Felt like [being] sent right to the gallows

               On the dark eve of All Hallows... (tbc?)

Poetry:"Exotic Dancer"

Poetry:       "Exotic Dancer"

                 She slowly undid her robe to the music and strobe.

                 She'd gyrate her hips amid catcalls and tips

                 And if she had liquor she'd do several flips

                 Welcome to the place of strobe,where men disperse and women disrobe.

                  She'd soon be bare and acted like she didn't care.

                  She'd be nude and showed an attitude

                  On her first time she froze, but soon on stage she'd be exposed like a prized garden rose.

                 She knew her role on the metallic pole

                 Pay her enough, she might show you her mole

                  T & A, all night and day, the more you see the more you'll stay

                  Welcome to the lights of strobe, where men swill beer and women disrobe... (tbc?)

                 

               

Poetry

Poetry: "Girls Might Do"

               Girls might do it for love

               Guys only care that she's willing

               Some guys will pay for sex

               A smart gal can make a killing, whether several grand or a lousy shilling

               Some girls want a ring

               To her, romance is quite thrilling

               Modern girls just want dinner and a show

                As long as the dessert is filling.

               She can only say no

               If the guy does too much milling

               If a guy meets her parents

               He expects to get a grilling... (tbc?)

Poetry: "Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong"

Poetry: "Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong"

        Her Silicon implants burst

        She just had to see a plastic surgeon

        I'm sure you know she's not the first

        Now her problems have burgeoned

         While she drank some booze

          At a celebration

          Her chest began to ooze

           To ruin her libation

         She always looked quite good

          You know she was a dancer

          She wanted to look better

           Now she has bad cancer

           Her friend was somewhat plump

           She had some liposuction

           Her fat is in a dump

            She missed her kid's production

             Kim payed through the nose for her rhinoplasty

              Now red as a rose, her snout looks pretty nasty

              Jim was obese, he had his stomach stapled

               Now his gut's the size of an egg

               No more pancakes with maple

            Jen almost did a flip when she was at the clinic

            But they deformed her lip when the collagen  

             Began to slip, no wonder I'm a cynic

             Other girls have terrible scars

             From getting nipped and tucked

              Instead of becoming stars or driving fancy cars

              They made it so their lives did suck

               And for many they were out of luck

Poetry: "Electing George W. Bush..."

Poetry:  Mediocre Anti-Bush Poem: "Electing George W. Bush..."

            Electing George W. Bush had an exorbitant price.

             What he's doing to the people isn't so nice.

              He's done great damage to our nation.

              When he's gone we'll feel much elation.

               He's also devastated the world

               Thanks to him more terrorist bombs at us are hurled

              Electing George W. Bush had a terrible cost.

               Now our standing in the world is totally lost.

               V-P Cheney is even worse.

                If we're lucky his heart may burst.

                 We'll have reason to party on 1/20/09

                  Though Bush will be gone, the U.S.A won't be too fine.

                  Thanks to Bush's appointed judges his policies will live on

                  Let's retain our grudges... (tbc?)

                

Poetry

Poetry:    Untitled

            I think of all the time I've squandered

            And all the years I must have wandered

            All the time I've sat and pondered

             What gangsters do with money laundered

              No doubt some things I'm really fond of... (tbc?)

            

        

Poetry:

Poetry:   "In Debt"

              One payment too few

               You meant to send

                With interest accrued

               On your memory you cannot depend

                You're feeling blue

                 A lawyer's hired to defend

                 This day you rue

                 Because now you're screwed

              To get out of debt

               You meant to pay rent

               Please don't gamble or bet

                But the money's been spent

                Now you're in debt 

                 And you must live in a tent

                 Now you must fret

                  Wondering where it all went

            You get collection calls

             Imagine how it must feel

             As cold rain falls

             Where will you get you're next meal?

              You've lost it all

               Maybe you can make a deal

                Now all you can do is bawl

                 With the devil and start to steal

                 Some would say at life I've failed

                 At least I know what's real

                 I've never spent a day in jail... (tbc?)

                

            

Poetry: "Dead End Job"

Poetry:  "Dead End Job"

           Working a mind-deadening dead-end position

            Don't have health-care; Can't see a physician

             Just have a job, not a career

             Soon my bills will be in arrears

             Prostituting myself for minimum wage

             Almost as bad as a life in a cage

             No wonder I feel a sense of rage

              Trapped in a dead-end job

              My livelihood feels like it's been robbed

               By a cabal or executive mob

                My lack of a trade

                Makes me afraid

                 That success in life has been cut like a blade. (tbc?)

Poetry

         Poetry: Untitled Work in Progress

       They say things are getting better. They're only getting worse.

       In no time you can predict the bubble's gonna burst.

       Oil prices are sky high.

        Will they come back down before the day I die? (tbc?)

       "Don't Eat Veal"

       If you're thinking of a meal

       Please think twice about eating veal.

       Poor calves, they get a raw deal.

        If you were treated that way how would you feel?

Too much time on my hands?

When I had too much time on my hands I came up with the following variations of  "See you later Alligator, in a while Crocodile".

     See you later Gladiator... In a while, River Nile

     See you later Masturbator... In a while, Pedophile

     See you later Fornicator... In a while, Liver Bile

     See you later Serial Dater... In a while Cell Phone Dial

     See you later Minefield Crater... In a while, Dossier File

     See you later Balloon Inflater... In a while, Criminal Guile

     See you later People Hater... In a while, Salute Seig Heil

     See you later Diesel Freighter... In a while, Swimmer Kyle

     See you later Julia Roberts... In a while, Lovett, Lyle (they were once married)

     See you later Change of Fater... In a while, a Country Mile

     See you later Cabin Grater... In a while, Gomer Pyle

     See you later Actress Mater... In a while, Porn will Rile

     See you later Swiss Cheese Grater... In a while, Make Me Smile

     See you later Oakland Raider... In a while, House of Style

     See you later Jewish Seder... In a while, Mosaic Tile

     See you later Hot Sun Shader... In a while, Murder Trial

     See you later Leather Sueder... In a while, Chemical Vial

     See you later Boiled Tater... In a while, Female Wiles

     See you later Rays of Theda...

     See you later Lord Darth Vader...

     See you later River Wader...   

     See you later Fabricator... In a while, Impeachment Trial. (tbc?) 

Still More "Life is Fair"

Poetry: Still More "Life is Fair"

Life is Fair... when you have no land and bankruptcy, it costs a grand!

Life is Fair... when you have no gun(s), but the criminals do, so you better run.

Life is Fair... when you have no water, and cholera or dysentery could kill your daughter.

Life is Fair... when your money's spent and your landlord asks you, "Where's my rent?"

Life is Fair... when the CEOs get all the money, and Job Security is as real as the Easter Bunny.

Life is Fair... when you're in a jail, and you have no skills so you're bound to fail. And even worse you can't pay bail.

Life is Fair... when you're forced to live in squalor, and you can't procure a job that's worth a half a dollar. 

More "Life is Fair"

Poetry: More "Life is Fair"

Life is Fair... when you're hooked on drugs and your room's unclean and full of bugs.

Life is Fair... when you have no cash and you look for food within the trash.

Life is Fair... when you have no car, when you walk miles to work and it's very far.

Life is Fair... when you have no home and you often sleep beside the loam.

Life is Fair... when you have no future and the doctor's knife slipped while doing sutures.

Life is Fair... when you have no pension, stolen by crooks like Enron's henchmen.

Life is Fair... when you lack good looks, so instead of hot dates you read good books.

Life is Fair... when you have no voice and Congress took away your freedom of choice.

Life is Fair... when you have no funds and you work so much that you have no fun. (to be cont'd)

Poetry: "The Best Girls"

Poetry: "The Best Girls

                 The best girls have paws.

                  Sharp teeth and claws

                  On rawhide they gnaw

                  And strip meat like saws.

A Short Poem

Poetry:   "Not All Pretty Girls..."

              Not all pretty girls are nice.

              But every girl she has her price.

               Now it's time to roll the dice.

               Perhaps she'll feed you beans and rice.

               Loving her would be so nice.

                But how she acts is cold as ice.