PUNK POETRY: Dear Gen X... by Max Gillette

Dear Gen X, Did You Know All Rainwater is now Unfit for Human Consumption?

 

Generation Z are doomed to be the first generation of Americans who will grow up with a lower standard of living than their parents enjoyed…The party’s over, folks. 

--Hunter S. Thompson, 2001 

 

I’m glad you had non-stick frypans 

I’m glad you had Aqua Net and aerosol cans and abortion access  

white pleather couches, popcorn ceilings, vinyl flooring 

I’m glad you had what you wanted 

            I understand wanting 

I understand that you watched your parents get Woodstock, free college, and picket fences 

I understand that you felt owed something 

            so you took  

Tell me again about your first (or second, or third, or fourth) car 

            about $1.18/gal gasoline 

Tell me again about those road trips you took in college 

Bring out the old photo album, put the kettle on  

Please, just stay for a few more minutes 

            and—please—leave the lights on when you go 



--Max Gillette 

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