Exodus. 6.2017
I try hard
but it's not enough.
California-born
who thought living would be so tough.
Wages rise,
But Real Estate follows.
Sick of living
amidst a market so hollow.
I thought it was my birthright
to live here easily.
But now it's harder than ever
to achieve my dreams.
And though I try with all my might
to win this war
to win this fight,
I feel Cali burn
off the lives of those who can't keep up.
People compelled to move
because they've had enough.
And he looks at me and says,
"You're running away."
Oh, God, you think if I could,
I wouldn't want to stay?
Yes, Cali is my birthright
but I refuse to settle.
Succumb to the inflation,
the extreme expectation,
the tired ass Lotus song-
feeling like my ambition
is steering me wrong.
It's like they're kicking me out
with every paycheck disowned.
But Cali is my birthright.
Cali is my home.
I want to keep at it.
But what is the struggle worth?
Either conform to this life of extravagance,
or abandon my place of birth.
In my strife for happiness,
this, I have found.
But in order to keep my dreams alive, my wages have to be sound.
Why does Cali ask so much of me?
And before you start to judge,
I am trying my damnedest;
Oh, you don't know of my love.
But alas the years have thrown me in circles.
Do you really think I want to leave?
Yet I refuse to be trapped,
chained, and strapped
to this Lotus Land fantasy.
I will go.
But I'll return.
With money earned and lessons learned.
Cali, you are a love of mine.
And until I feel you are worthy of me...
until then I'll see where this road leads.
Until then,
I'll be free.
Oh, Cali,
Cali.
Caliente.
It's like suddenly you're too hot for me.
scribbled June 2017.