1.5 Addictions

by Eric Chaet

We’re addicted to
de-natured flour, sugar, fat
we’re addicted
to convenience
to herbicides & pesticides
we’re addicted
to usury
we’re addicted
to starving those who say
what’s true but difficult
to the pronouncements
of useless people
in positions of authority
to manipulating
those we live with
most intimately
to gasoline, asphalt,
cement, steel, & driving
to right angles & screens
we’re addicted to
thinking how clever we are
to comments
of people who should be studying & observing
to art that reinforces what needs changing
to histories that hide what happened & is still happening
we’re addicted to fitting in & getting along
to winning & losing, scores & averages
to prices only others can set
we’re addicted to stockpiling money
to insulate ourselves from necessary upheavals
we’re addicted to foreign enemies
& to warrior champions protecting the roles
we’re always complaining aren’t worthy of us
we’re addicted to anxiety, blaming, excuses
to gaining the approval of those who have gained approval
we’re addicted to breaking addictions—
then celebrating for the rest of our lives
rather than doing anything useful.

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Picture: William Blake