2 Poems

In God We Trust

I am the American Dream.

Your religion and your creed.

The world cannot function without me,

And the law conforms to my every command.

I dictate your lives with my limitless power,

And you never know

Until it’s too late.

You can’t live without my rectangular frame

Green and Aged

With a forgotten father,

A structure built upon lies 

Of independence on my back,

And my value tattooed on every corner.

Hold me up to the light,

You’ll see right through me.

Rip me in half,

I dare you.

You’ll lose my power and become a fool,

All in an instant.

It’s ironic.

You created me

And gave me all of my power.

Now, I use it to smother you.

I see all sides of humanity,

Both generosity and greed.

Given to your grandson

And the plunder of a burglar soon after.

I feed your families

And addictions.

I provide your education,

But I won’t hesitate to strangle you with debt.

I cover your eyes

As you step

Scoffing, over a homeless man

You have what he doesn’t.

I am crumpled in a drug lord’s pocket,

And delicately folded in the wallet of a president.

Still,

My power is the same.

“In God We Trust”?

That’s a mere pleasantry.

For I am all that matters.

Not God, not love, not dreams,

Just me.

Life in the Sloth Lane

Take it easy!

Relax!

Slow down!

And smell the hibiscus!

Let’s be sloths.

Placid,

Tranquil and euphoric.

Enjoying our days,

Instead of rushing through them.

Let’s be sloths.

Just take it slow.

Slower than a line at the DMV.

Slower than Internet Explorer.

Slower than that one red light

When you have to go to the bathroom.

Let’s be sloths.

Take a much-needed break

From this fast-paced life.

And enjoy the moment,

Before it’s a memory.

Let’s be sloths.

Find time to relax,

And only do things we enjoy.

Eat, sleep, repeat.

Live our lives to the fullest.

Let’s be sloths.

Resist the blur of life. 

And live serenely

for you and only you!

Let’s be sloths.

Be truly happy

For once in our lives.

And not rush through it.

As we are often forced to do.

Stay there.

Drift through it.

Slowly.

And smell the hibiscus.

About the Author

Ryan Hiemenz is a Philadelphia native with a strong adoration of all things poetry and fiction. He loves trying to figure out the hidden meanings behind the words and applying those lessons to his everyday life. Aside from writing and reading, Ryan loves to spend his time surrounded by memes and comedy. He is always looking to make others smile in any way that he can!