I was young in '69,
love was all about freedom.
The age of splitting atoms
and the Vietnam war,
my generation rejected
for dawning Aquarius.
We hitched highways
around the country,
trying to live the songs
of our innocence.
But always some ass-kickers; who
didn't cotton much to flower children
invading their trailer strewn yards;
made damned sure
the long-haired-hippie freaks
bore bruises and black eyes.
Tarred and chicken feathered,
the hipsters would limp away
no match for men who really knew
the authentic, American way.
Pretty women were another story.
No matter what they wore
no one wanted to tear them up,
at least not like that.
But it was coyote love--
soiled doves of the road never
went home to meet their mothers.
Author notes
A contest entry for: After That I Was Never The Same by Budart
Photo credit: http://princessmerykara.deviantart.com/art/Hippy-Time-75936858
A contest entry
- After That I Was Never The Same by Budart.
1500 points, ended October 14, 38 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
whatever you feel is right
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
-
I was a hippie in Denver in 71 so I know what you are talking about. The whole period has a lot of emotional resonance for me to this day. It was sooo hopeful.
In some ways the failure of the hippies to transform society was probably one of the big disillusionments of my life. Made me the cynical old fart I am today. I hear the disillusionment in your poem as well. Thanks for the entry. Good luck. -
This is a fabulous piece of work, Scribe. I was young in '69, too - only 11 years old. 
Unfortunately, I "missed" the 60's re-evolutions along the way (and have often said that the 60's didn't hit Kansas until the 70's anyway). 
You've taken your readers back to those turbulent times with panache and fervor, giving us all a better understanding of how fragmented our society became. Tough times for everyone, in spite of the apparent "freedom" some proclaimed to embrace so fervently and so well. Good luck in the contest, Sweetie. This is a great poem. 
-
Wonderful and thank you for taking back to "69" with you. Love the trip and timetable but what is "coyote love"?
Love,
Amera♥
-
-
Coyote Love, is where you need to chew your arm off to escape from your bed partner. So you think I'm a colorful character? You'd be right on there.
Thanks for the look see, Peace and Love dear sister.
-
-
ah sky, I was too young for you in '69. couldn't you have waited 8 more years to find me along 66? it didn't work qite like that did it. by then you and the other pretty girls had gone home.
very fun story. I actually liked the very last stanza the best because it is has the best imagery words (coyote and dove together is brilliant). Because it is the end, wondered about changing it slightly for a heavier finish.
But it was coyote love and
soiled doves of the road never
went home to meet their mothers.
But it was coyote love -
soiled doves of the road never
went home to meet their mothers.
-
-
Thanks Marc, I've gratefully used your suggestion in my continuing edit. I don't think it was your age dear one it was location, location, location. You simply weren't running the same trails I was. I think we would have liked each other then too, don't you?
L, V
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 6 of 6
