Rat race
I have only human needs, forced to get down on my knees
Problems unforeseen
Through
Brittle self-esteem
You
Wipe me away
Like
Smears on windowscreen
*
Following
The same routine
Drinking old behaviours
Like caffeine
Treating me
Like listerine
Treating me the way you feel
Demean
*
In
Everything you do
The world throws it to someone new
But
It’s not to say it’s true
*
That these bosses are out for you
They
Take the old
The young
And strip the poor of everything
They ever knew
*
Take the house
Take the key
The taste out of the food we eat
Settle down
Pour the tea
*
Is anyone else hearing glee?
Fold your shirt and your sleeves
Professional
In who they keep
It doesn’t matter where you sleep
*
As long as they’re in throws and jeeps
I
Don’t
Even care at all just how they even sleep
No
I don’t even want to cuddle up and go to sleep
Now
*
Even if I’m suffering and have nothing to eat
No
I don’t even want to settle down and have these child-ren
*
I don’t give a damn if I am full of hate
And full of evil
*
You clipped my wings
And kicked me out
And then call me an eagle
I don’t even want to stress about the things I own
No
There’s nothing really there for me to say that
I have owned
No
*
Because these problems are foreseen
Built through all this race and greed
I have only human needs
Forced to get down on my knees
*
*
*
How am I suppose to sleep
When everything is a hustle and a thief
Television
Never sleep
All these ads
Robbing me
Of the dime
I don’t see
I don’t even want to settle down and have these child-ren
*
I don’t give a damn if I am full of hate
And full of evil…
A/N: Another day of little annoyances, that results in me writing. So… thanks to the rat race… I suppose. Thank you ever so much for reading if you got this far.
All I know is, the object of all our frustrations, lends itself to the rat race. Mad at you husband? Rat race, mad at your wife, rat race. Nothing to eat? Well… you get the point. RAT RACE. Thank you! 🙏🏽
About the Creator
Caitlin Charlton
poetry too close to home
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Comments (11)
I feel you on this one Caitlin. I think Bob sang it best when he said, "Rat race...some a gorgon-ah some a hooligan-ah...when you think it's peace and safety, a sudden destruction...Rat race! Oh it's a disgrace to see the human race inna rat race.." And decade after decade it has continued. We have individual and collective power and responsibility. Keeping people "racing" keeps them too busy/tired/depressed/addicted/etc., etc., to think and act on that. Great focus for a poem!
I love this, how you pour frustration into something that let it go from inside. Lovely done, Caitlin.
I think you have captured the spirit of the challenge in this poem, Caitlin. It’s brimming with raw and unfiltered emotions and has a strong stream of consciousness vibe. I’ve been too intimidated by this challenge to attempt anything. Maybe now that you have shown the way…? Good luck!
Sounds like describing some places I worked!
I loved the rhythm and mood in this. It's such relatable writing and really well done. No one should have to feel like this, but you've written the experience so well. Loved the power in this!
At least there was one good thing coming from the rat race - this poem! I could relate to every single line. I lived for so many years trying to play this game until it completely burned me out and I felt exactly like this. I just have simple human needs, then why do I have to be here and bend to whoever's will, who made this fucking rat race up? I hope pouring your feelings helped you with the frustration.
Well I hope writing this helped you get that frustration and annoyance out of your system. Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
I love how you've tied personal frustration into the bigger system of the rat race.
This poem is a perfect entry to the challenge, Caitlin, I suspect every woman can relate to it at least at some points of her life.
That had to feel good to get it out! VENTING is so helpful at times. My fav line was about being wiped away from a window screen...I have felt so insignificant and overshadowed in the heartlessness of the rat race, too. Great take on this challenge!!
This poem did sound like you are ticked off at the unfairness life always dishes out. It's always the rat race. lol. I think you have a point there. Sorry that the day has been a battle of little annoyances. I hope it changes to little - or big - great things instead 💖🙏 Keep at it, Caitlin! You got this! And best of luck in the Vocal challenge.