Sign Language

There’s no reality 
(you’re not actually reading this)
Postmodernism rules the roost
The Sign is all
Image is Everything
taking, erasing
the reality of everday suffering.

(segue into rapid image stream)

Baby squeals for more Nestle milk substitute
middle-age blues in the dole queues,
the aged left to rot in nursing homes.

Create your own reality
   JUST DO IT
become young, beautiful, rich
   you are the consumer
      the hero valorised,
and collective feeling demonised 
(unless reactionary)
Fukuyama and friends tell us
     IDEOLOGY IS DEAD
      
but you can buy it now!!
for only 4 easy payments of $19.95
our operators are waiting for your call

(segue into unchallenged modernist truths)

More shopping hours means more jobs
We can’t afford a wage-rise for the workers
We’re spending beyond our means

the messages repeat 
   as echos from glass towers, 
reflections in a hall of mirrors
   where power is endlessly reflected

don’t complain, just change channels
Labor to Liberal - frying pan to fire
black, red, green and pink are taboo
When John and Peter come to dinner
   just talk art,
the aesthetic and the sign

That all important sign

For Sale - the human soul - 
corporate buyers welcome!