Did They Tell You To Live Decently? Poem by RIC BASTASA

did they tell you to live decently
like gentlemen and ladies
societal models, sinless and spotless?

how easy for them
for they have the food and the accommodations
their houses and backyards
the smoke in their kitchens rising
to the skies
as offerings of the gods
the flavor of ham and roasted beef
and chiffon cakes
and salted bread

after they have taken all these things from you
deprived you of your inheritance
your birthright and your labors and your profession

after they have taken the rules away
and replaced them with their own

now they have all the hypocrisy to tell you
that you are not decent

and what about you? do you swear to be decent and
surrender the will that the gods have gifted you?