Ashes Of American Flags

The cash machine is blue and green

For a bundle of 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, the machine begs for luck

All my lies are always wishes

I know I would die if I could come back new

We want a good life with a nose for things

the fresh wind and bright sky to endure my suffering

I'm a hole without a key if I break my tongue

Oh, 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 I hear a doorbell ring

I shake like a toothache

every time 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 fallen leaves

filling up shopping bags