PLASTIC

PLASTIC


Look around.
It’s plastic you see -
girls with kneeless jeans
and boys with blue shiny hair.

Their clothes
and chains
and toys desired
and owned
because of their plastic.

You try to rent a car
but not without your plastic guarantee.
Feeling free to fly?
Don’t forget your plastic.

Try to escape.
You won’t get far.
You must remember
Plastic.

Master, American,
Visa, Discover
cards tightening their grip
on who you think you ought
to be.

A handshake won’t cut it,
you’re no longer good for it.
Your word means nothing,
not even for more plastic.

Cash not accepted here mister.
Can you spare a dime?
No dimes sir, only plastic.