A wall covered by markers. . . published, March 2005, by Nobel House, London. |
Painted Over Graffiti It's more than painted over graffiti, The trouble with our world today. The problem is bigger than a paint brush, Used to wash wanton layers, Worn off colors, away. Strategic historical scholars, Have studied to rote, Besmirch budding Buddhists babies, Learning by thinking to vote. What a novel concept! If people would just pay attention, The whole damn world could could get smart. The youth keep shouting louder, Falling fast, far, and as hard, As the earlier generations did. They are THE hope of our nation. Shouting codes of their passions Spouting a shiznit with voices hid. There's something wrong in this country. It's been simmering, a brew, quite a while. The hippies got old and face aging, While the youth now do their own thing With a new fashioned style. No lessons learned, Old leaves not even turned. No values passed between Because values, back then, Weren't the popular thing, To be "In, with it, Man. Can you dig it"? It's been decades since I painted graffiti. Such verse is not the pen of my craft today. But, there are 50 something million Americans saying, We won't let you whitewash us away. So I'll face every day on my own terms. The representatives stand for me, too. There was a new one here, just elected. I will visit his office to see if he's true: To what democracy means, When your philosophical theory Of war and peace Is in the minority. How can I shout louder So everyone can hear? I do not approve of my President's actions, Won electorally, fair and clear. I don't want our soldiers in Iraq. Let the tribes and the nations In the cradle of all civilizations Sort it out for themselves, As they always have, Eons before American written history. So, bring our brave soldiers Back Home. Don't let another die. Bring them home to their family. This is no way for the brave to end. Politics and oil infiltrate life damnly, Tearing apart a precious part of family. God, peace, and love be praised. Because, we said, "All you need is love, All together now. . . ." Remember all the words? And how they made you feel? Life is happening now. What YOU do is real. Only you Can prevent tragedy. |