by Les Kniskern
July 9, 2009

The farmers fear
the terminator gene
suicide seed
genetically altered
to die
after one crop

so future seed
must be
bought
from the giant
corporation
and fertilized

The farmers fear
genetically altered seed
that will only
germinate
and grow
with single-corporate spray

The farmers fear
they’ve lost control
and can only grow
corporate sanctioned
seed

The child answers
questions
about what
he ate
how much
and when

The interviewer
feels sad
about the
young teen
head low,
soft voice,
confidence gone
or never here

Young growing teen
you need more food
than you’re telling

Young teen
single-corporate greed
for soy and corn
has taken produce
from the farm

Real food costs too much now
and dear, young teen
your aunt
can only afford
macaroni and cheese

If you could know
a farm-fresh
turnip or tomato
from the vine

But a dollar twenty-nine
mac and cheese
is all your aunt could buy

with dad gone –

left
or in prison
never to be known

dear, young teen
no one should feel
hunger
as you

the farmer fears