i only remember
two scenes from
the grapes of wrath
the blue baby
born in the ditch
and the turtle
on its back
in the middle of the road

something something
dust bowl
seeking the american dream
finding nothing
but indentured servitude
in paradise

i thought it was meant
to be fiction
but i see now
as i flail about
hoping for a semi
to end this silent misery
the baby was the only one
that didnt suffer unduly
and if that doesnt sum up
the american dream
perhaps nothing ever could

the grapes of wrath
made for a sour wine
as hope withered
forgotten on the vine
like a fool begging
to be of use
and suffocating alone
in a silent hell
pf his own design