It’s Christmas-time at Wal-Mart
bargains in the aisles, on the shelves
brought to you by global capitalism
“Save money. Live better.”
Don’t ask how the trinkets are made
don’t lose sleep over the exploitation of unseen peasants
believe it’s all for the good of women
and children, dislocated farmers
whose labor turns the golden wheel
for the money changers in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles,
Tokyo, London
“Save money. Live better.”
Pile your cart high
with goodies
Made in China
The labels scream
Made in China
Factory of the world
Made in China
Home of the Communist capitalists
They’ve taken title to our soul, own us lock, stock,
barrels stacked higher than Washington’s
Monument
Don’t ask why it’s seven years since your last pay raise,
why you can’t afford to fix your teeth,
visit the doctor,
fill your tank with gasoline,
make the mortgage,
or send your deserving daughter to college
It was you and many like you who bought
one-way tickets to the end of the line,
slipped a comfortable noose around your own necks
You fell for the lie and the myth,
The short straw,
The hook, the line, and the sinker
Swallowed it and gagged on it
Don’t ask who stuck the dagger in the aorta
of the American Dream,
unless you’re willing to look long in the mirror
Are you living better?
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