Creative Writing - Sample Poems

Demographic Manifesto

embryo – 12 years

You will look out from behind steel fences when you are, a) dwelling in your nation of origin; or, b) applying for the sun to shine on you from a different direction. Subset “a” will be permitted to go home at 6.00 pm.

12 – 30

You will be responsible for making hamburgers and/or increasing the gross in the national or multinational product. You will purchase coloured sunglasses and (while grossing fast foods or other products) you will flip them onto your forehead. You will set your sights lower for the weekend when you will fry your brains on designer genes.

30 – 50

You will key a set of numbers of your choice into the company of your choice, chosen from a closed list of companies owned by subsets of companies in the list who will also provide the aforementioned numbers. You will not be required to make hamburgers, but you will be responsible for making the requirement for hamburgers and/or coloured sunglasses.

Alternatively, you can choose to be alternative. You’ll be permitted to enjoy the nation’s gross products, but will be also allowed to wonder whether you are. This will fry your brain – despite designer genes.

50 – 70

You will tow caravans at slow speeds on all available roads. You must not apply for a number beyond the numbers you have accumulated during 30 – 50. Any hats thrown into the ring must be left to collect dust until after 6.00 pm. You must be seen only in warm climates wearing large shorts.

70 +

You must lie in bed and press red buttons if still alive. If not, the pressing will be conducted on your behalf. Your need for assistance with breathing and other rudimentary tasks will place strain on the gross nationals. However, they must accept you as a product. Take any complaints the gross nationals make about your alleged non-production to the alternatives.

You will look out from behind brick fences while only the finest quality clouds drift past your view. Speaking will not be permitted, however, grunting will be optional.

first published, Overland.