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In The Suburbs

by Chris Sorrenti


Johnny’s got his jeans on
Doesn’t he look just neat?
     And look at those Adidas track shoes
     Striped upon his feet
He got them at the shopping center
Where everyone goes to swear
     And in their colored economobiles
     Is how they all get there

Some of them gossip and go to church
Both on the very same day
     And they all kneel to say their prayers
     So God will take good care of them
But what’s all the fuss?
There’s a game on today
     Just press the button on the color tube
     And there’s nothing more to say

Pull out the nuts
Chips and the beer
     For there’s no big deal
     And nothing to fear
God takes good care of his children
All in their humble homes
     Even if every last one of them
     Goes by the name of Jones


© 1973
Inputted and revised © 2015

1,090 hits as of April 2024


01/24/2015

Author's Note: A little darkness/pessimism here, coupled with immaturity/inexperience, but the frustration, genuine.

Posted on 01/24/2015
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by George Hoerner on 01/25/15 at 12:32 AM

I grew up in one in Michigan but it was so small that we knew most of the people in it. I never thought of it in these terms until I took a couple of social science classes after high school. Nice write Chris.

Posted by Linda Fuller on 01/25/15 at 08:18 PM

Enjoyed this, Chris. Particularly tickled by "He got them at the shopping center Where everyone goes to swear" and "Some of them gossip and go to church Both on the very same day".

Posted by Kris Mara on 01/27/15 at 12:58 AM

Fantastic read...I, too grew up in one (and also in Michigan), so very familiar with the image in that...

Posted by Laura Doom on 01/27/15 at 11:29 AM

Stepford families? 'Center' & 'track shoes' places this when and where you wrote it, but the picture is a constant. It's still the purpose in life for adolescents to promote darkness :>)

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