"End-of-the-world Survival Blues" is a powerful and evocative piece that captures the weight of modern anxieties in the face of overwhelming global crises. Through a mix of personal reflection and sharp commentary on climate change, political instability, and societal breakdowns, the poem paints a picture of a world on the brink of collapse.

The opening lines immediately set the tone, using a mix of self-expression ("I got them") and an urgency around the "end-of-the-world" blues. The reference to Frank Zappa’s lyrics reinforces the idea that this is not a new feeling, but something that's been building over time. The poem mirrors the recurring nature of bad news we receive daily, whether it’s about natural disasters or societal unrest, offering a sense of relentless doom.

The imagery of climate change is particularly poignant, as it transforms from an abstract threat into a very real, present danger. The vivid descriptions of towns disappearing in fires, flooded roads, and communities devastated by storms make the crisis feel immediate and unavoidable. The poem’s stark language of "Thousand-year storms coming every day" emphasizes the sense of helplessness many feel in the face of overwhelming environmental changes.

There is a distinct sense of disillusionment throughout the piece. As the speaker reflects on how we once thought of climate change as a distant threat, it becomes clear that the world has already crossed a threshold—what we feared has now arrived. The line "No longer just a disaster movie" effectively captures the shift from apocalyptic fiction to grim reality.

The closing lines bring in a touch of existential uncertainty, pondering the fate of future generations. The image of survivors in underground bunkers or on the Moon and Mars captures the eerie uncertainty of what’s to come. Will humanity be able to solve these crises, or will we look back on our civilization from the ruins?

This poem resonates because it speaks to the collective uncertainty, fear, and frustration many feel today. It skillfully ties personal sentiment to global crises, making the reader feel the weight of the survival blues in a time of profound change.

One of the strengths of this piece is its ability to balance broad social commentary with individual reflection, making the emotional weight of the issues more personal and relatable. The rhythmic repetition of "I got them" builds both a sense of resignation and the shared experience of living in a world increasingly defined by crisis.

Overall, "End-of-the-world Survival Blues" is a poignant meditation on the end times, filled with raw emotion and critical insights about the direction our world is heading.

WriterRick (WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group)




My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .