Automatic For The People

we drive across the badlands

and try not to breathe as we

stop and gawk at the scenery…

 

and then tonight, we sleep like

the sidewinder does even if somebody

or everybody hurts because we all need

it and then at some point, sweetness

follows even if instrumentals play,

whether or not they originate from

New Orleans, Kansas City, Chicago…

 

Yet, some that hurt never get their

fair share, their just due…

 

Monty got a raw deal and nobody

within the borders of ignoreland

cared, he was a freak of nature

according to them…

 

well, Stipe said star me kitten and

placed a man in the moon and

another one secretly in the sun…

 

the Sputnik star on the cover

gave that one away…

and now, lovers and friends with

benefits are nightswimming

beneath it and we should find

the river so we can join them…

 

are these words for the people?

 

always and automatically so

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the past, the future, the possibilities strived for and some we failed to...
I am looking for that river...I hope I can before I am too old to join in the nightswimming.
Although, I did my share of that in the past.
This is such good poetry. It burns on the page like that poor guy who set foot on the sun in your poem.

j.

[Kenneth The Poet]

thank you kindly

[BuzzyB]

I loved the opening line: driving through "badlands" and choosing "not to breathe"---it spoke to me of the sobering reality of the world that we often long to escape.
The image of people "nightswimming" beneath the "Sputnik star". Its the joy of connecting, sharing visions and hope in the face of loss and hoplessness.
I also loved the song references. They really enhance the message.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Thanks so much!

[The Analog Kid]

Try Not to Breathe is my favorite "sliver" of this. What an exquisite chord progression. Love the way you wove this all together!

[Kenneth The Poet]

I appreciate that. Thank you kindly.

[The Analog Kid]

You bet, brother!