Short Free Verse Poems about the Human Condition

Answer

Mind racing, head breaking,
Trying to find an answer,
Any answer. Programmed to
Believe in anything but me,
Directed to forego self.

Don’t trust yourself. Keep it to
Yourself. You don’t really matter.
Only we matter. Voices of reason
Tying my hands and muffling my
Being. Not myself.

Mind racing, head breaking.
Trying to find an answer,
My answer, unadulterated.

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Aspirations

Desperately
Trying to fit in,
Appeasing their
Oppressors.
Young women
Parading around in
Outlandish, tacky
Versions of the
Garb of their
Conquerors.
Spirit broken
Generationally,
A sham display of
Civic pride,
Gaudy cartoon,
Misguided
Aspirations.

Wishing

I thought I couldn’t do it and
I didn’t. I told myself I wasn’t
Good enough and it came true.
I didn’t take a risk and stayed
Stuck to my couch.

Wishing things were different.
Hoping things would change.
No breaks coming my way.

I saw a bird land on a branch.
He paused, cleaned his feathers and
Flew without a thought.

Destroying

Keep them out.
Our nation isn’t what
It used to be.
Didn’t have to
Mingle with
Unfamiliar people.
Look, talk, believe the same.
Diversity what?
Didn’t have to
Bother with complex
Issues like indigence,
Unfairness, compassion,
Sharing resources.
One planet, no borders what?
Keep that dishwasher out.
Destroying the
Very fabric of our
Toxic society.

Overflowing

Work yourself up into a frenzied
State of outrage where everything is
Far more horrid than mundane reality.
Keep boiling until a fine froth forms around
Your mouth. Continue agitating and stirring
The overflowing pot. Spout senseless sounds.
Rage until there is no other option than to
Examine yourself and let in the light.

Conquer

Insincere
Permanent smile,
Expressionless eyes
Betraying complete
Lack of remorse.
Compassion absent,
Ridiculed.
Open wounds festering
Within.
Insecurity, pain
Manifested in callous
Disregard for
Human life.
Conquer,
Punish,
Eliminate.

All I Need

What if there were more than
One way to look at things?
What if you could have different
Points of view all adding their own
Unique essence to the mix, making
Things tastier rather than bland?
No thanks! Why would I ever want
To live more piquantly when I have
All I need, safely circumscribed?

Certitude

Just moved to
A new community
Dramatically different from
The one we knew.
Welcomed with open arms,
Invited into people’s homes,
Warm hospitality,
Friendly conversations.
Within a few weeks,
Grew uncomfortable,
Didn’t agree with
Certain people’s lifestyle.
Too different,
Too big city,
Too lenient,
Let our feelings
Be known.
Ostracized for
Standing up for what we
Believe in,
Our values,
Our inflexible certitude.

Look at Me

Let me make as much noise as
I can. Look at me, I’m as happy
As can be. Sputtering, vibrating,
Carefully maintained for maximum
Decibel enjoyment. Sit by my side,
Look out the window and
Talk about nothing.