Finally Grateful for the Bread and the Circus

Summary

The poem "Finally Grateful for the Bread and the Circus" reflects on the modern state of entertainment and sustenance, expressing a complex gratitude for what is available while yearning for more authentic experiences and resources.

Abstract

The author of the poem expresses a nuanced appreciation for the current state of affairs, acknowledging the allure of modern entertainment (the "circus") and the convenience of processed food (the "bread"). Despite a preference for the natural and authentic, the poet recognizes the challenges of the present day, such as the use of pesticides and the production of factory-made food. The poem suggests a trade-off between the artificiality of contemporary life and the basic need for sustenance and distraction. It also hints at a latent desire for revolution and change, symbolized by the image of burning down the factories of falsehood, yet the poet remains thankful for the present circumstances until a more genuine way of living can be achieved.

Opinions

The poet prefers natural roses and authentic bread over the pesticide-laden and factory-processed versions available today.
There is a sense of resignation to the necessity of modern entertainment and food production, despite their shortcomings.
The author values true talent and entertainment, suggesting that these are necessary to appease society and prevent unrest.
The poem conveys a longing for a time when food and entertainment were more genuine and less commercialized.
The poet acknowledges the paradox of being grateful for the current state of affairs while simultaneously wishing for a more authentic existence.
There is an undercurrent of anarchist sentiment, with the poet imagining a future where the current systems are overthrown, symbolized by the flaming "A" for anarchy.

a poem appreciating our gilded cage

One Hundred Days of Gratitude. Forty-two.

Like the old anarchists, I too would rather have roses. Just too many pesticides for them to grow today

I suppose. So it goes.

So you know I just try to be happy for the kids and the clowns and animals that get to get out of their cages now

in these entertainment ages someone’s gotta make the mob laugh, to keep them from calling for heads, and despite mountains of money the Caesar’s can’t quite knock them dead

without keeping real entertainers and true talents around.

Maybe we can still be happy for the performers of sight and sound.

And look — like the young anarchists I’d rather have real bread

that we grow for we

instead of factory-made sweet mold stale, sugary, old, with cut crusts to cut costs.

But I’d also rather not be starving in exchange for what we’ve lost?

I’m not saying the fake food factories and countless colosseums shouldn’t be burned

just that I’ve learned how to be thankful until they do

probably as the people sing about gods masters and kings emblazoning each on with a flaming A

that’ll be the day.

But when it comes, I’m not sure what I’ll say.