A Light Hearted Look at our Consumer Society

Here is a nonsense poem I wrote a while back.

Enjoy!

Lionel

Arch-Deity of the Consumer Society
(A tongue-in-cheek look at the motorist)


God of freedom, independence and of status,
In whose generous heart lies no hiatus.
Grant to me, thy faithful and obedient acolyte,
Six cylinders, twin exhausts, wide wheels and leather white.

Thus endowed, I will roar off and preach thy word,
Amongst pedestrian, pedal-cyclist and nerd.
None shall ‘scape my ardent words or flirt with indecision,
For I shall use your demi-God, the Lord of television.

Freedom to go just where you please, no times to watch,
No ‘bus queues, stops, fare stages, cabs or trains to catch.
No need to mix with “hoi polloi” or fraternise with ‘muters,
Your car’s the key that sets you free so blow them; sound two hooters!

The road is clear, the top is down, the wind streams through your hair.
You’re drunk with joy. This is the life! You feel as free as air.
“Live for today, tomorrow we die.” There’s a sensible expression,
Look after number one I say and let others get depression.

Oh yes, they’ll say you’re selfish and your fumes will kill the planet,
Carbon monoxide makes ozone holes that dry the river Thanet.
Ignore them, they’re just jealous, when all is said and done,
Tell them the earth will still be here long after they are gone.

Why worry about tomorrow? Look down the years and see
How things have changed, been re-arranged, improved for you and me.
If you still went by horse and cart, or even coach and four man,
Would the world itself be a better place or the planet give a damn?

We’ve past the twentieth century and now it’s twenty-one,
It’s the time of the individual, so have yourself some fun.
God helps those who help themselves, is what I understand,
So help yourself, be fancy free, take your future by the hand.

Soon you’ll be too old to drive, too old to see as well,
So don’t delay, get out today, put your foot down, go like hell.
Come to the altar and worship the god, the one who sets you free,
Let the “greens” stew, or join the queue, they’ll not stop you and me.

© Lionel Owen 2005