California

Life is dull life is gray;

At its best it's just OK.

But I'm happy to report

Life is also short.

So I find myself back in California -

I'm a coolie for the tourists,

those happy Epicureans:

Evil spectres from my own suburban upbringing.

As I reveal points of interest, I can chat so pleasantly,

But it's hard to be cheerful when you feel so hopeless

And there's no reason for this dark mood.

It will pass; it will return, but will I ever learn?

And the children of privilege begging for my spare change.

Do they need my assistance to purchase their intoxicants,

or would they best be served a swift kick

Slowly sinking in the vast ambivalent sea of California.