Hey, Little Brother, I totally understand where you're coming from. Our present society is too conservative and tries to undermine free expression. Somebody once said that the difference between today and let's say the 60's, is that there isn't any glue that holds us together anymore. In the 60's we had the Vietnam War that brought together the youth of America against a fucked up war. Today we have the Iraqi War, but I don't see the same kind of response from our youth. Somebody has to start protesting against all the injustices. You're young enough and smart enough, I might add, to understand that the first step to change is to speak up. Your poetry is eloquent and speaks volumes about how many young people feel today. They feel despair against the on rushing weight of conformity and conservatism. Don't try to please or appease this mind-set. Keep writing poetry that expresses what you truly feel. It is the first step toward your salvation. Peace Brother, ALI
