I passed an Algebra class for the first time

In college

At the expense of my simple math skills

Likewise, I learned the art of metaphore,

Euphemism, satire, and symbolism

At the expense of being able

To look a person in the eye

And say exactly what's on my mind

Or feel any convitcion to it

So I hide behinde private words

Posted in public places

Because the truth is screaming to get out

But my liberal education in

"Critical Thinking"

Has got me placing more value in

Syllogism:

(Sara hates being alone:Sara is alone in the city::Sara hates the city. Hint, hint)

Than the simplicity of plain, honest speech

Absent of semantics and sarcasm

(I really wish my friends would visit me at school. It's not like I'm far away.)



In the tradition of Pythagerous

All my letters (words) represent numbers

Worth twice their stated value

Because an essential component

Of the deliberate dumbing down of America

Is to convince us that we're

Just so much smarter than everyone else

That we're above the common vernacular

And that whoever doesn't "get"

Us and our precious irony

Doesn't really deserve to

Putting the duplicitous and deceitful

Above the straight-thinking and honest-minded.

There's no glory or honor anymore

In being smart enough to avoid trouble

But you'll earn the respect and admiration

Of an entire nation

If, once you've lied about owning an SUV, you can

Talk, talk, talk your way out of it.



We haven't simply been dumbed down.

We've had our souls stolen.

05/29/2004

Posted on 05/29/2004
Copyright © 2025 Amy Wustrin