The 3 R's in 2021

A poem by Philippe Schicker

2021

Months--Poetry
Poetry

en-US

text

Schicker_3 Rs.jpg
Schicker_3 Rs.pdf

Copyright protected by Philippe Schicker. Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required.

Note on transcription: This transcription may not reflect the poetic form established by the poet. Please refer to the PDF file of this poem available in the Files section for proper formatting.

The 3 R’s in 2021

America. Allen Ginsberg alive again, but Ruth is dead.
Jim and his bird are visiting the South once more.
The mule is still afraid to bring up Order 15.
But it’s all heritage so better ignore it, right?
Reduce the endless media!
Just double speed on YouTube to keep up; or
Just give me the late late late show’s commentary until I am still.

I order my Benzos through Bezos now.
Afloat in the sunken place.
In a hole so deep, I could start fracking.
With no light even as the world burns.
Reuse the hero plot but give me something more this time.
Maybe one that’s queer or was homeless or got deported or sat in a clinic or dropped out;
Or just pay for a crew spot, I guess.

Leave the package outside please.
I don’t need what’s inside.
It’s just a pleasure cycle of using.
And grab the bottle, or bottle up.
Recycle feelings.
Can’t stand myself but stand for something.
So now I just write and march and shout:

Protect Black Lives.
Protect Trans Kids.
Protect DREAMers.
Protect Democracy.
Protect the Planet.
Protect ______.
“Alexa, re-order another box.”