The Illusory American Dream
Works for the few; Exploits the many
She sits in a room without the weight of others
A mother - lost in thought about the life she’s found before her
For her - its construction’s a mystery or destiny or maybe
An all-powerful force that no one can see, but she
Feels the weight of society saying, “it’s not built for you” and the you is she
And she knows The American Dream is so far from where she’s standing
Demanding doesn’t help when 300 million stand fanning
Laughing in their oblivion but - the cut is deep if they could see
The weight of reality only holds when the frame is rigid
Yeah, sure, there are a multitude of blueprints to build from
With every single one meant for the same neighborhood
And if you don’t comply with the societal HOA
Then there is no way you can stay
You represent a crack in the facade that everyone sees but pretends they forgot
It’s not because they’re cruel or inhumane - most care for others on the daily
They might even say hey to a stranger on a Saturday but the reason she sits alone and away?
Most of us are too scared to say.
Maybe I am back...I have been writing more lately. Let me know if you liked this. Thanks. *The image was generated by ChatGPT–everything else was all me and inspired by my time growing up in Memphis, TN.
About the Creator
Kevin Newton
I like patterns. I like helping my fellow humans. I enjoy writing about other worlds. I offer fictional works for entertainment and beauty. If you get either from my works, please let me know.
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Comments (8)
Congratulations on Top Story, your poem is quite relatable.
Very true to life poem, thankyou for sharing and congratulations on Top Story xx
Congratulations on top story. This is deep and emotional. But very real.
Congrats on top story! Your poem reveals the limitations of social construct. I love it.
This really says a lot. It’s honest, heavy, and real. I feel the truth in it — a lot of people sit with that same weight but don’t know how to say it. Congrats on your top story!
Congrats on TS!
That's the problem with dreams: you either wake up or live in a not so real world with them. Excellent work!
It’s always a wonderful thing when we can put into words the struggles that many face. You did a great job at that, you took someone’s eyes and you became the looking glass. I feel the pain of that mother, and I read the concern in your words. Good job Kevin, keep up the good work.