Living in a relatively small town, going to an ultra conservative private university, and it being the rural western United States, it is difficult not to stick out a little bit being one of the very few anti-establishment people around. Very quickly I realized how unshared my particular views were in the area. First came the scowls and death stares directed my way whenever I drove by blasting Rage Against the Machine at an appropriatly civil disobedient level. Then came the disapproving and disparaging remarks when all my class projects centered around important issues and events commonly ignored in the news and by most Americans. The final straw, perhaps, was the outcry against me for quoting the beloved author George Orwell, or maybe it was just the kid that ate my last strawberry yogurt. They are on the bottom shelf for a reason!
Needless to say I realized also a long time ago, that within this atmosphere I currently reside, I have in essence a target painted upon my back. For if there ever arises any anarchist styled graffiti, or arson engulfed police cruisers, or windowless store windows, the list of suspects in this small town is likely small, not to mention easily pinned on the only anti-authoritarian kid in town. So tomorrow I am packing up my wardrobe and from now on only wearing Care Bear or I (heart) NY shirts.
The lights are out on Division St.
and all the hate that rises through the cracks in the pavement
as the temperature falls,
This is where it hits the ground.
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