Claustrofornia

Claustrofornia


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


Movie star politicians break promises
from quaking platforms. 


Living out of Starbucks                            

venti caramel macchiato
with soy milk, two pumps
hold the caramel
in a carryout cup labeled “HOT.”


Glamour glides down red carpets

and people hug redwoods. 

Can you feel the love? 


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


Shallow dreams and deep debts

keep BMW's humming
down highways.


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


Seas of illegal blondes

in designer thongs
nourish eating disorders.


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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