an old one -- from 2004

DREAMING OF FEAR

Cross the Red Bridge to some thirty years ago,
Find yourself in Haight and Ashbury
Your dreams in a foggy mist of Merlot.
The land is prime for little towns
Invaded by Homeland Security
Invaded by unwanted pounds.

When did this dream become a nightmare?
When dusty roads grew asphalt
And grassy knolls grew telephone poles
When leaders were charged with assault.

Fry me some freedom
And serve it on a plate of gold;
Roll the blackout, you may need them
In case of noxious gas or Taliban,
Maybe a nuclear holocaust,
Maybe a fatal tan.

When did this dream become a nightmare?
When dusty roads grew asphalt
And grassy knolls grew telephone poles
When leaders were charged with assault.