Presque Happy?
Social Commentary, if a little surreal... poem.
as we embrace the thoughts of tonight's dreamless sleep
promise me the sun will rise again
promise me, my love
that life is more
not an empty journey
*
the man with shoes,
leather bound with a shine
"one caveat, one caveat," he said
as he sold his shoes for position
"life is not an empty journey
with prominence and position"
*
he was sold, he was sold
he was sold on the ideal
the ideal of "status"
the classist lie of "success"
emptiness of "excess"
*
just enough, just enough
we're never told
never enthused
"you're nothing unless
unless you're something"
1% from 100% is not the quo
*
Quo Vidas, in alio feriae
your escape from the noise
aliam domum,
alius rusticus domum suam
protection from the stench
procul ab urbe,
magnus fumus, magnus caseus
your escape from the noise
ad XCIX cento, illotis, pauperis
protection from the stench
*
the man of status who decries
"the unambitious"
with shiny new shoes, teeth
in his rural stately home
of dull grandeur, quiet contempt
for true grit and honesty
the man who dies, rich
Presque happy, but is he?
*
Thanks for reading!
Author's Notes: So this stream of consciousness thing came from the first line which is taken from the song "Washer" by the might post-rock band Slint. I also paraphrased a line from "A Hero's Death" by Fontaines D.C. Oh and Presque, because I heard the word in "Nearly Daffodills" by English Teacher. All links below.
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About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
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Comments (9)
You are so talented!
I loved the repetitive language in this one and the latin(?) was interesting, I'd google it but I'm scared what might pop up! 😅 Great work as always Paul!!
"you're nothing unless unless you're something" That stood out to me the most. Loved your poem Sir Paul! 🍩🥐
Where are you going? Great question. Answer: I have no idea, but I continue enjoy the ride (most of the time). This poem grabbed me by the stack and swivel, Paul. Great stuff
Like JBaz and Cathy I enjoyed the use of Latin phrases mingled in! Also really liked the succession of the lines “ the ideal of "status" the classist lie of "success" emptiness of "excess", just clicked along so well! Another great stream of consciousness poem, Paul!
I like the Latin, even though I'd have no idea what it means without the translation. Well done, buddy.
Really enjoyed the two language mix, a nice touch. You speak of life and what truly counts.
By the way really liked the Latin.
Young or old or rich or poor for that is what life is all about. That is what I got from this poem. Good work.