To a Futurian

Here in America

apoplectic Democracy,

we treat of man

a creature-politic

An aggregate

of voters

to be polled

so that others

know

how to vote

No pulse

to this life

Alleghany or not

no right

to pride

that can’t be bought

Here in America

our economy,

our rulers

haven’t the decency

to be

Great Personalities

But little men

that scribble

the body dyspeptic

till some savings

accrue

While little men

luncheon

with bodies dysplastic

on expense account

gruel

Here in America

our greatest

pulse, passion, and power

are given

to men that despise

you

And define your worth

as they would, say

dysprosium

soft, silvery and elemental, but

easily diffused

here in America

11/24/03