Ashes of American Flags

The cash machine is blue and green

For a hundred in twenties

And a small service fee

I could spend three dollars

And sixty-three cents

On diet coca-cola

And unlit cigarettes

I wonder why we listen to poets

When nobody gives a ****

How hot and sorrowful

This machine begs for luck

All my lies are always wishes

I know I would die

If I could come back new

I want a good life

With a nose for things

The fresh wind and bright sky

To enjoy my suffering

A hole without a key

If I break my tongue

Speaking of tomorrow

How will it ever come

All my lies are always wishes

I know I would die

If I could come back new

I'm down on my hands and knees

Every time a doorbell rings

I shake like a toothache

When I hear myself sing

All my lies are only wishes

I know I would die

If I could come back new

I would like to salute

The ashes of American flags

And all the fallen leaves

Filling up shopping bags