Poet Laureate

I’m going to be the Poet Laureate
And write for my nation
Speak not for myself but for our generation
I’m going to play and sing
Going to smoke and drink
Going to hang my burdens on the shoulders of my shrink
Going to march down Broad with new shoes and old clothes
Going to do so with my eyes closed
Going to travel the world and say it ain’t for me
Going to open my eyes and have only one thing to see

The mother and father from sea to sea
They left us a sidewalk to stay out the street
If they think we’re not crossing then they’re just naïve
Just as in our youth they accuse us of being
Right or wrong, it’s irrelevant to us
We’re blazing trails and kicking up dust
Neverminding what it is that we leave in the ruts
Formed for the up and coming fortunate ones
Who step on our heals while against the grain we run
With only time to find we never left the farm
We never made a dent never meant any harm
Stood on the shoulders of those who we’d sworn
We’d never turn into never think to become
And that in the end nothing is lost or won
Nothing’s gained from a kiss or a punch or a gun
There no shame in the change from what once was
Our grandparents always told us it’s just because
They knew we’d understand by the time we were gone
That the truth is neither hate nor love
Can stop the inevitability of the goings on
That all we’re left to do is hope that notion’s wrong
And treat everyday like the words of a song
Wistful and ours, broken heart and bitter tongue
And running low on fuel we get out and push on
Meanwhile at the farm the wheel keeps on going
Runs by the river, which keeps on flowing
Fed by the mountain where the wind keeps blowing
Where the rain keeps falling and the plants keep growing
I’m going to be the Poet Laureate
And write for my nation
Speak not for myself but for my generation
I’m going to play and sing
Going to smoke and drink
And when I get home going to sit there and think
With every thought my head starts to sink
Tomorrow afternoon I’ll get to finishing
Young, drunk, and stoned, it’s time to get some sleep