the music remains

I want you to know
my stereo is still proud
it is still loud
AFI, Face to Face, Bad Religion,
Social Distortion, Fugazi, Samiam:
so many dead and dying bands
still linger here
I am a peddler of acrid noise
caustic lyrics, rotting dreams

Why didn't Samiam have a hit?
they're better than Green Day
Why don't more people know
punk rock is just amped up folk music?

Would it matter
any of my words?
It's all in the sound
and how it hits you
The kids don't get it
they want Faces of Death, tattoos, unlimited texting
caffeine and The Family Guy
Here I am today
so far removed
from where I started
I don't even recognize myself
I can't breathe without the hate
can't sleep without the noise
Here I am expanding
The music can't stretch to fit
I'm wasted on the lyrics
I've tasted of the truth
Shadows shorten
shadows lengthen
but the music
remains the same.