Poem: "The American Dream"

[ysabetwordsmith]

This poem came out of the December 4, 2018 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from Anthony Barrette and my_partner_doug. It has been sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette.

Warning: This poem contains political criticism.


"The American Dream"


I dream the American Dream.

I dream of immigrants coming
to a new land with all bright hope
and building a great nation there.

I dream of opportunities
to start a new business and
create financial security.

I dream of a meritocracy
where people work hard
to move up in the world.

I dream of an economy
where workers can save up
to buy a house and put in
a white picket fence.

I dream of a society in which
people fall in love, get married,
and have children and pets.

I dream of a culture that
encourages folks to get a car
or a bike and travel to see it all.

I dream of a more perfect union
in which all people are created equal
and endowed with the rights of life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.


Then I wake up, and Trump is still president.

* * *

Notes:

Here are the top ten American Dreams.
1. Love
2. Financial Security
3. Starting a Business
4. Fame
5. Job
6. Home owner
7. Travel
8. Children
9. Car
10. Pets

Some phrases in the poem come from the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Comments

[iamnotgod]

Damn straight.

Dreams (particularly in the sense of just having an imagination) are important; how else can we think on what could be different about our lives? Much less how to change them?

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Exactly. Dreams are important. They're not respected much in modern America, but some other cultures are wiser. That shows up in "A Healing Force" too.

[siliconshaman]

"... and Trump is still President."

For now.

Probably not much longer if the signs are anything to go by. [as in days to months] Although, apparently at least some of the Republicans are perfectly ok with felon as President, so who knows how that's going to fall out.

Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

There was plenty of data about his felonious behavior long before he was elected. A majority of people don't care. They also don't matter. What he has to watch out for is whether his actions -- or more likely, getting caught -- will piss off people with money and power.

[alatefeline]

*applause*

*booing and hissing for the orange one*

*more applause for you; this is heartbreaking...*

[mdlbear]

"Heartbreaking" -- yes.

[alatefeline]

*hugs offered*

[mdlbear]

*hugs*

Thank you!

[ysabetwordsmith]

I'm glad you appreciated this.

[bairnsidhe]

Ugh, SAME.... stupid cheeto-faced troll.

Ooo ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Good one!

Re: Ooo ...

[bairnsidhe]

He's a cheeto-face because his face, like a cheeto, is artificially cheesy, unnaturally orange, and bad for my blood pressure.

[kaylin881]

I'm not American myself, but this hit me hard. I alternate between sad and angry with every new thing I hear about Trump and what he's doing to your country.

Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

He makes a lot of people sad and angry.

Do you think the poem needs more warnings than it has?

Re: Well ...

[kaylin881]

No, I think the current warning is sufficient to give people an idea of what to expect. I wasn't surprised, just...saddened. It's a beautiful poem with a powerful message.

Re: Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Then I'm glad you appreciated it.