I Remember

Author’s Note: This is for Real Poetic’s unofficial Year 2033 challenge. To join in, follow the link below.

Oh, the year 2033

Things just aren’t what they used to be—

I remember home-cooked meals

Now subscription plan food is all we feel

I remember live TV

Now all we do is stream—paid and free

I remember real exercise

Now we virtually blast our thighs

I remember walking down the streets

Now the riots and protests prevent me

I remember Planned Parenthood

And accessing birth control like I should

I remember free speech

Without so much hate speech

I remember my hometown

Before the whole thing burned down

In a blazing glory of wildfire

Born of human neglect and climate change

I remember our country’s wonder

Before we were torn asunder

From one voting blunder

After which nothing was ever the same

I remember a better time

But that better time is too far gone