Survivin' in the 'Burbs

When I drove to work this morning, had a feeling I forgot to lock the door
Or left a burner set on high
I would return to find my house a wreck, or emptied by a thief
Or smoldering smoke up to the sky
I had this nagging feeling, I forgot the kitchen sink

I know that it’s better if I let things go
Get some coffee for my nerves
Taking daily risks—It’s hard you know
Just surviving in the ‘burbs
I close my eyes and let it go

Today—TV news flash said a terrorist could live right on your block
Or even in the house next door.
I hate to be suspicious of my neighbors, even ones from “over there”
But there are signs I can’t ignore
Strange cars stop there all the time—‘til now I’d never stopped to think

I know there are places where neighbors all hang out
But you never know these days
Anyone could turn around and shoot you just for opening your mouth
Reaching out just doesn’t pay
I close my eyes and turn away

TV light explodes in Technicolor fire and brimstone
Houses burn away like battlefields
Comes to me by satellite from halfway ‘round the world
I think I know just how they feel…

When I left for work this morning the radio was blaring ‘bout the war
The country’s threat today was Red
Do I feel safer with the offence forces keeping us from harm
From swinging swords above our heads
To tell us, any moment—that we could all be dead?

I know it’s better if I let things go
Trust that I will be all right
I hear the sirens like an air raid or the screaming of a ghost
Sometimes it keeps me up at night
I close my eyes turn out the light…

Copyright Tracy S. Feldman, All rights reserved