Thought Provoking Poetry

corruption through osmosis (4/02/98)
Citizen of the World (11/29/97)
They Tried (96)
ashtray (2/7/97)
The STD Called Pregnancy (2/18/97)
suing for a false case of lawsuit abuse (2/18/97)
freedom (or lack thereof) (8/16/97)
Bad Seed (1/30/98)
happy pessimist (2/12/98)
dying for what you believe in (4/05/98)
life long skeptic (4/18/98)
Technology (5/24/98)
and the earth died with thought (6/3/98)
aphorism for the brain dead (9/7/98)
suburban kids who think they are gangsters are losers (1/99)
pride sucks(11/99)
the adventures of johnnie mediocre in the public education system(11/99)
loaded questions (11/99)
education at the brink of a new millennium(11/99)
Enforced Charity (4/00)
it's for the children (3/01)
living for the weekend (04/01)
think like me (05/01)
fear du jour (06/01)


Corruption Through Osmosis
Your heart is filled with truth
The people's minds are filled with certainty
You're elected to office to represent the people who voted unanimously

After some weeks in office
An issue comes across your desktop
The people stand behind you, you'll do the right thing, unless you get bought

You know where you came from
But the money looks so great
Just this once you'll take the contribution and vow not to do it again

Corruption through osmosis
Victim of environment
How can we rid corruption in office when it's so prevalent

Once you've started down the path
You'll see there's no turning back
But you're not to blame when it's the entire system that needs to be put in check

Corruption through osmosis
Spread throughout our democracy
The plague is so rampant that i wonder why we're considered such a pristine country
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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Citizen of the World
Citizen of the world!
I hear your rants of yesterday
Echo in my head
As they need to apply today

Oh Forgotten Father,
It makes me want to cry
I see how you changed things
And how it's all gone awry

Everyone doubts the doubting man
If you can trust the ones
Who seem to know it all
Then what's the point of trying?

Oh Forgotten Father,
It makes me want to cry
I see how you changed things
And how it's all gone awry

Your thoughts of yesterday
Still linger in this world
But will you be remembered
As the one who sacrificed it all?
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

* The "Citizen of the World" is Thomas Paine. He is probably my favorite historical figure. He coined the term 'United States of America'. His pamphlet Common Sense is probably one of the best-selling pieces of literature of all time. This pamphlet is what motivated George Washington (and others) to separate from England. Thomas Paine tried to do for religion/philosophy/thought what he did for government. He failed. He was persecuted by organized religions. He died penniless and has gone down in history as a "filthy little atheist" (as the ignorant President Roosevelt put it) -- even though Paine was *not* an atheist [he was a deist]. He was a tremendous writer and humanitarian. Thomas Paine even wrote/spoke for the abolition of slavery.
To read some of Thomas Paine's works check out : http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/thomas_paine/

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They Tried
I look back now on a extinct breed
A civilization known as humanity
A shameful race when they all died
All you can say is that they tried....

They had it fine till they grew a brain
Earth wasn't ready for a drastic change
What they had, was too much pride
All you can say is that they tried....

A competitive group, they learned to kill
This creation of man was destined to fail
Those who conquered, spread their lies
All you can say is that they tried....

Many were blind, they could not see
They were nothing more than an effigy
In the end it was hate and spite
All you can say is that they tried

If they had it all, to do again
I do not think that man would win
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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ashtray
i roll down my window
flick my butt outside
exhale my last drag
and think about my drive

where am i headed
what path should i take
no matter my decision
it will be a mistake

the world is my ashtray
and i'm leading it astray
no concern from me
just living day to day

problems of our world
have become beyond complex
i can't deal with them all
but i do my best

i flick another problem
on to the paved road
turn into the backed up lane
lazy street i chose

the world is my ashtray
and i'm leading it astray
no concern from me
just living day to day

i don't think i'll make a difference
i'll make no impact at all
i'll continue driving down this path
and that will be my fall
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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The STD Called Pregnancy
you say no to birth control
you're dumber than I thought
millions being born, and
by the day that's a lot

ignorance breeds...
and you're having unprotected sex
reverend john says no to condoms
so tell me what happens next....
diapers, cribs and
welfare checks
all this from a night of passionate sex

don't give it up for adoption
your stupidity is in your DNA
better think of something fast
because the father's not gonna stay

keep the kid!, to get
to heaven it's vital
another unloved kid grows up
just to repeat the cycle....

-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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freedom (or lack thereof)
argumentative discussions
of who's wrong who's right
masses of mindless followers
joining a hopeless fight

what are you fighting for,
do you really know?
you've been caught
in society's undertow
don't let it bring you down,
don't let it interfere
step back and take
a good look in the mirror

you "fight for freedom"
like you're GI Joe
you're fighting for causes
you don't even know
you're so hung up
on your self righteousness
you think you know
what's best for us

well now it's time for
my party to take it's stand
it's about time you know
that we don't give a damn
it's obvious to us
that you don't have a clue
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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Bad Seed
I feel ashamed to call all humans my brother
Who's at fault when a child murders another?
I have little sympathy for the bad seed
What do you think he will contribute to society?

No one wants to punish this tragedy, indeed
Everybody has an excuse for the bad seed
The state-appointed shrink says he's not loved
The fame-seeking preacher offers forgiveness from above

But it's not genetic error in the bad seed
Bad seeds don't drop from fruitful trees
Put some blame on the mother for breeding
Parenthood is something more than fucking then feeding

And what shall we do with this bad seed
It's not fair to just set him free
Let's not pat him on the back and send him on his way
Because then he's encouraged to act this way

As much as you don't want to hear it
You know my answer before I've said it
But lessons are taught through drastic examples
The real problem here is these bad seeds are ample
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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happy pessimist
just because i think the world is going to shit
doesn't mean that i'm not a likable guy
just because i wanna legalize suicide
doesn't mean i want anyone to die

i like to think i'm a sane, happy pessimist
enjoying my stay while it lasts
you can't overlook my negative nature
i don't wear happiness like a mask

subtly cruel when i speak of life
and utter sarcasm with a mild grin
i beg you, don't be frightened,
i'm telling you it's just how i am

i enjoy your negative feelings
but i would rather see you smile
i'm not waiting for global extinction
i still think we have a while

i like to think i'm a sane, happy pessimist
enjoying my stay while i last
always worried about overpopulation
when will we learn from our past

you won't find me weeping
or waiting for the end of time
i've learned i can still be happy
because happiness is in your mind
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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dying for what you believe in
the crazy prophet who preaches upon the hill
his followers collecting guns in fear of nihil
loading up on weapons big brother gets scared
he can't control the people when little brother is prepared

the man who mail bombs to get his point across
loses public support because some lives are lost
but the body count is nothing compared to the governments through time
religions justify murder in the name of God, but that's all right

some people can't sit by
and watch the rest turn the world to shit
but it's a no-win situation
because it's illegal to do something about it

but sometimes you have to die for what you believe in
forge your spirits and make your move
do what you can to do what is right
because you've got something to prove
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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life long skeptic
I hear the nightly news
from the media's point of view
but i don't believe it

being a skeptic since birth
has given my mind worth
it's all i have to trust

nothing's wrong with paranoia
it's good to be alert
but how can i trust a reporter
who makes four times what i make a year
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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Technology
NOTE: I am not against technology. Technology is a wonderful thing. I am not a psycho-collectivist who things we should go back to farming. On the contrary I am an individualist. The point to this work is that we rely too much on technology. The classic man vs. machine dualism seen in 2001, Terminator, The Matrix, etc. -- if we depend too much on technology we become 'slaves' to technology. The message: Use technology to your benefit, do not depend on it.

Tell me of the past and I'll tell you of the future
It's waiting to descend as technology increases further
We're living longer, but our lives are dying off
Technology runs our bodies as our minds begin to rot

The age started when we harnessed electricity --
A natural occurring entity consisting of charges
to give power to the home appliances of the multiplicity --
The masses who robotically subscribe to cable
and other forms of electronic sanctity --
A higher source for those who can't accept
the world around them becoming a sanctuary --
A place to run away from the common everyday
leading down a path to man's ultimate insecurity!

Technology, is it a blessing in disguise
or the beginning of the ending -- man's final demise
Technology, a wave of new hope for human lives,
wake up to see a world through silicon eyes

Life machines, keeping the dead alive to see pain for a few more days
Sex machines, getting the world off in new exciting ways
Virtual reality, a substitute world for those who can't handle ours
Nuclear machines, military operated in preparation for the final hour

So tell me, are we progressing fast enough
And will we stop before we're no longer us
But there's nothing that I can do or say
Because it's already started, so enjoy your stay
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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and the Earth died with thought
a war makes a beast
of men once with faith
another politician climbs a ladder
and pulls it up without haste
the charities give to power
while the children go to waste
and a leader with pride
joins the munitions race

a child of divorce
feels even less of worth
a sixteen year old mom
gives yet another birth
tax kills a widow
who grapples with dearth
cancer continues,
while we're cancer to Earth

industry claims
to help common man
but seem to help only those
who put cash in their hands
a survivalist fights back
and no one understands
a flag burns in the distance
un-united we stand

a prison overcrowds
released are many
but only the ones
who've saved a pretty penny
the innocent cry
only to lose their sanity
unfair is justice
more faith grows empty


is there anything to sacrifice
anything at all
something to erode
this self-mending wall
standing around
we let it grow tall
and listen to the echo
when help is called

the mornings of happiness
end with nights of sorrow
holding on to the hope
that there will be a tomorrow
but as humans rape more
their hearts become hollow
and the earth died with thought
our species just follow
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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aphorism for the brain dead
there is no better feeling
than knowing the presence of self-control
in touch with yourself
dictating life the way you want

so many out there today
more tomorrow
and more to follow
relying on crutches
alcohol, video games, drugs, religion
mind-altering, psuedo-secure forms of entertainment and belief
grasping to the quickest and easiest thing to clutch to

the external authority of
nicotine-rich television
and pornographic fantasies
of touching the hand of god
raping the human spirit
destroying the happiness we all could know
within ourselves

the apathy of not helping out
another member of the human family
but why should you help someone
who does not hold themselves responsible
for their own actions
a vicious circle of disappointment
which always starts and ends with you

faced daily with minor decisions
minuscule details of what makes the future
and how it will personally effect you
but when was the last time
someone stopped and took an objective look at themselves
inside, everyone knows their own faults
the true fault is to ignore them
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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suburban kids who think they are gangsters are losers
* This is my first 'published' rap ....and all the girlies said I'm pretty fly for an internet guy *

wide-eyed lantern light like Diogenes
please, there isn't an honest man in
this land to be seen
lying has become the norm' causin a storm
of untrust, mistrust, disgust the truth
that i seek from the bleak future that lies ahead
are you being spoon-fed what to think?
let me tell you what free will means to me

the knowledge to know the wrong from right
though most can't quite get it, they copy
what the see on tv, shit that makes no sense to me

flavor of the month in the latest rap video
rich kids talking about what it's like in the ghetto,
as if living in fear of getting shot
is cool, breakin all the rules, talkin all the
shit about how you're down with old school
using the latest slang like you're original
your dumb ass can't even be an individual
you got your pants at your knees, a pager and a cell phone
packin a nine in the suburbs talkin about being blown away?
what's the matter with the kids today?
ignorance glorified in such a light so i might think it's hip
why do we need this?

rat-tat-tat out of the black bap-bap-bap three shots rang back
back to sleep, it's just the kids playin in the street
talkin their slang -- just playin a game
they'll all grow up some day.
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>
For more information on the story of Diogenes go to: http://www.halcyon.com/colinp/diogenes.htm

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pride sucks
NOTE: I think personal-pride and belief in oneself is great. However, when people gather their pride into groups they often create separation and their pride leads to arrogance and an "I'm better than you" attitude. This can cause a chain reaction of retaliation. Group pride does nothing more than stimulate the emotions. So before you jump down my back, think about what school spirit and pride rallies REALLY accomplish (other than a boost of the emotions and some food vendors making a few dollars).

i don't believe in any pride
other than personal pride
and belief in oneself

pride for a sports team
pride for your race
pride for your religion or party
to stick in another group's face

pride promotes prejudice
which leads to problems of hate
pride promotes superiority
which degrades the way we think

if your goal is for well-being and equality
why do you set yourselves apart
you're not helping anyone's situation
just dividing our species into parts

so before you fly your flag
or march in your parade
think of how you segregate yourself
because having pride will not create change
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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the adventures of johnnie mediocre in the public education system
[american education is a joke part one]
it started in elementary school
where he learned to color inside the lines
he really liked the playground
and was too restless for nap time

junior high was hard on him
his hormones were kicking and he didn't fit in
he was told he was being prepared for high school
he colored the world map with colored pens

in high school he gained a social life
and he made a lot of friends
his teachers told him his generation is lazy
we'll never know how that effected him

college was a shock to johnnie
for the first time he lived on his own
his professors expected him to know what hadn't been taught
and he'll spend years paying off that loan

grade school didn't prepare him
for all the things he'd have to do
but once he graduated and put in his time
those pointless assignments were through

he had his framed college degree
and he applied for work
but all of the good jobs wanted experience
so he had to settle as a clerk

if there's one thing johnnie learned
from going through the system
it was how to function with
the other children who turned out like him
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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loaded questions
does saying the word nigger make someone racist?
does a leader's infidelity make it okay for the people?
is an egg a chicken abortion? and do pro-lifers eat them?
does the world need more liberal arts majors?
and does a college degree mean anyone knows shit?
do sitcoms fulfill anyone's desire for entertainment?
is taking away guns from citizens really going to stop crime?
why do some institutions teach that humans are inherently bad?
why do people feel the need to place blame?
why does everything seem to be one extreme or another?
what is it about human nature that we don't like to compromise?
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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education at the brink of a new millennium
[american education is a joke part two]
sometimes i feel school is a waste of the day
if it wasn't such a joke, i wouldn't feel this way
so many things done wrong
it's so hard to point the blame

some teachers, they try
but many more don't really care
if you find yourself disagreeing
you haven't been to school in years

all through school i was babied
or pampered when in the honors class
a teacher's prejudice of how smart they think you are
can determine if you pass

school boards don't know shit
they're too old and out of touch
it's all politics to them
education doesn't mean that much

in school you're not taught how to think
you're just told to regurgitate
if you challenge how it's done
you're labeled defiant and told to behave

the kids are getting screwed
isn't this supposed to be for their benefit?
it will take years more of learning
to catch up on all they've missed

a degree in education
is a cop out and a fraud
no one can teach how to teach
it's just a way to get your summers off
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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Enforced Charity
I consider myself punk but I have one disagreement
I might be spurned but my feelings are vehement
I oppose socialism, I like individual freedom

I disagree with a belief for a collective
I guess I'm a punk with a different perspective
A punk that doesn't fit in? Is the world going to end?

Redistribution of wealth so that all are equal
Why does someone taking my possessions sound so evil?
Should I be forced to share? How can that be fair?

The idea that there's no private property
What belongs to you belongs to me
Enforced charity? This can never be.

The United States is not a capitalist country
The government intrudes, it's called a "mixed economy"
Don't misconstrue or confuse the two

Yes capitalism promotes competition
But lets use some rationalization
It won't always lead to monopoly, what causes this mentality?

I understand the want for equality
But the collective idealism is a fallacy
A collective authority? Aren't punks against a majority?

Think for yourself, do some research
Instead of spouting off lines you have rehearsed
Because enforced charity is a form of slavery
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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it's for the children
the greatest lies
and excuses of our time
come from the minds
of those who try
to persuade you and i
that the tasks they're behind
are the selfless kind

and no one can see
they've said the same previously
it's all to help our progeny
or to benefit society
and no matter how greedy
or unjust it may be
they say it convincingly

the opposing are spurned
and they patriotically burn
and since we can't discern
what we haven't learned
i wonder, do we really deserve
another chance or turn?
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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living for the weekend
i hope i never start living for the weekend
only to see it turn into a monday morning
i hope i never compete with my neighbors
to buy things i cannot really afford
i hope if i ever get married
i won't refer to my spouse as a ball and chain
i hope my life never revolves around
so-called entertainment like monday night football
because i don't want to be that family

i hope i never start living for the weekend
and calling in sick so i don't have to go to work
i hope i don't ever assume that others think just like me
and get caught up in my own idealism
i hope watching the dog chase the neighbors cat
doesn't become the highlight of my day
i hope my evenings don't revolve around tittie bars
and hot wings to keep me out of the house
because i don't want to be that guy

i hope i never start living for the weekend
and forget how to relax
i hope i don't get stuck in a job i hate
and do nothing about the situation but complain
i hope if things don't work out
i can handle the situation
i hope i don't end up like all those people
who let their lives pass them by
because i don't want to live for the weekend
-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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think like me
you wasted four years of your life
studying how others think and behave
and yet you still wonder
"why do some people see it that way?"

whether you have conservative constipation
or are stuck with bleeding heart disease
you have a case of the
"why doesn't everyone think like me"s

socio-psycho-poli-mythology
you're just as dogmatic as the ones you oppose
you've given up reason for idealism
and your mind is starting to decompose

"why doesn't everyone think like me"
if we did, it would be a boring place
what happened to celebrating diversity
no one wants your psuedo-master race

note: "bleeding heart disease" taken from the title of a NOFX song.

-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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fear du jour
fear du jour
activist of the week
your heart is strong
your mind is weak

protest! protest!
what can i hate today?
protest! protest!
what corporation is in my way?

activism has called wolf
and no one seems to care
the rest of the world is tired
of your extremist doctrinaire

after some real movements
you looked for what to protest next
but the important wars were fought
now you are activism obsessed

protest! protest!
what can i hate today?
protest! protest!
only three showed up today

you'll be invited back
when there's something real to fight
but now you're losing credibility
and you're not looking so bright

put down your placards
hang up your signs
the protesting is over
time to get a life

-Derek del Barrio   <derek.delbarrio@gmail.com>

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