American Consumer

I bought a tree this year,
I paid a hundred bucks,
It came in black and white
And arrived each day by truck.

I bought a mountainside
All filled with fruit and soup,
I drove a part to work--
A little two door coupe.

I bought a piece of tundra;
While driving down the street
I turned it into smoke
And wasted engine heat.

I bought some woods today
Along the Amazon,
Topped with cheese and pickle
On a sesame seed bun.

I bought still more this year,
I can't recall just what.
It doesn't matter anyway,
I get just what I want.

I'm American.
I buy what is my due.
I don't have time to think,
"What happens when I'm through?"

Bryan Ness
Published in Manna