Claustrofornia

Claustrofornia


Confined
between the Sierra
and the ocean
smog pollutes my head.


Movie star politicians break promises
from quaking platforms.

Armies of leased diesels jam traffic
driven by windshield warriors
phones growing out of their ears.

Living out of Starbucks                            
venti caramel machiato
with soy milk, two pumps
hold the caramel
in a carryout cup labeled “HOT.”

Money throws its voice around
people just move their mouths
and dangle from greedy strings.


Glamour glides down red carpets
and people hug redwoods.

Can you feel the love?


Seas of illegal blondes
in designer thongs
nourish eating disorders.


Shallow dreams and deep debts

keep BMW's humming
down highways.


When the Valley Girls grew up

the Galleria was washed up
fresh fashions forever show up
and not even the Joneses can keep up!

Still
they build, and people pour
into shopping malls
and health clubs-
neon grocery stores.

But lack of affordable housing
forces people to live like trolls.

Nothing trickles down
from the Hollywood sign.

Manicured lawns and nails
and silicone peaks

small dogs and spray tans
phony smiles, cement stars
aspiring gangsters

high rises, low riders
entitlement mentality 

open mouths and closed eyes.


Crystal Cathedral, Golden Gate,

living idols, dying faith.

__________________________________________________


I hope it doesn't sound too judgmental. Just having some fun with California stereotypes.  


I was up all night rearranging stanzas and trying to sound clever. 










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