once upon a time, american boys
were brave &
free
with a certain respect for women &
elders & principles like
truth or justice.
we used to value loyalty &
friends & family above our
selves.
we did not understand the word,
surrender,
would never say
uncle
did not know how to
give up.
when captured, only name, rank,
serial number &
the desire to escape.
we were the last proud army
marching to righteous
victory.
now we work in the yellow halls of the
Corporation
wearing stiff white shirts & ties
and doing
what we're told.
we live by the whim of
the authorities above.
we yield &
do their will.
we do not protect our
friends, nor do we mourn
when they are taken.
we no longer resist & our powers of
nobility are gone.
we do what we have to
to keep things
as they are.
disgust is unknown to us,
so strong is our fear.
we have convinced ourselves of the
necessity of these things
accepting the ruin of our selves &
our comrades.
as we crawl towards the millenium,
this is our honor & our
iliad.