ashes of american flags

the cash machine

is blue and green

for a hundred in twenties

and a small service fee

i could spend three dollars

and sixty-three cents

on diet coca-cola

and unlit cigarettes

i wonder why

we listen to poets

when nobody gives a fuck

how hot and sorrowful

this machine begs for luck

all my lies are always wishes

i know i would die

if i could come back new

i want a good life

with a nose for things

a fresh wind and bright sky

to enjoy my suffering

a hole without a key

if i break my tongue

speaking of tomorrow

how will it ever come

all my lies are always wishes

i know i would die

if i could come back new

i'm down on my hands and knees

every time the doorbell rings

i shake like a toothache

when i hear myself sing

all my lies are only wishes

i know i would die

if i could come back new

i would like to salute

the ashes of american flags

and all the falling leaves

filling up shopping bags