A Campbell's Soup Autobiography

A Campbell's Soup Autobiography


Growing up in the 50s
My mother fed us Campbell's Tomato Soup because it was cheap
and easy. Soon I was getting drunk and listening
to James Brown and Little Richard.

Then in the 60s and 70s
Campbell's Tomato Soup was Andy Warhol and Richard Nixon.
I dodged the draft and wrote poems.

The 80s and 90s came along
and my kids don't like Campbell's Tomato Soup very much.
How does a poet make a living?

Now in this new century
Campbell's Tomato Soup is soup again. Albeit bad soup.
I hate George Bush, but I try to practice forgiveness
and peace.

--Bobby Byrd