Poetry / Nine Numbers

American lives
Are defined by nine numbers.
When we are born,
We are assigned a series
Of seemingly random numbers.

I have my numbers
Memorized and known by heart.
For without these digits,
I am unable to do many things.
Like get a job,
Find a place to live,
Or pay my ever so loved,
Income tax.

Others steal our identities.
Or so they think.
I would like to believe
That I am not defined,
By these nine numbers.
That my identity is discernable
Only by these nine numbers,
Is depressing.

I would like to choose
Something more private,
More personal,
To define who I am.
But alas,
I am only a consumer.
A tax paying American
Who is represented by,
Nine numbers.

I have a question.
When we die,
Is our number recycled?
Like a new religion
Borrowing from ancients.
Some type of modern
American reincarnation.

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JJKinni avatar General Stranger

May 05, 2008

JJKinni

REVIEW QUALITY: 100.0%(1 vote ) personal info reviewer stats
JJKinni reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

I wish you wouldn’t have told me it was our social, the idea of not being sure what the nine numbers are at first, is part of what makes it a good poem.  It forces the reader to think on it and sooner or later someone will remember this poem, and really think of what the nine numbers could be and when they find out, it will make it all the more clever.  I always figure if i have to clarify points (especially the main idea) to readers, then it isn’t ready yet.  Maybe add to concept of nine numbers.  As for suggestions sorry…your on your own.  i got nothing.  Never was much good wit numbers.  

Smart work

Stargate avatar General Stranger

May 05, 2008

Stargate

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Stargate reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

I had no trouble following you even had you not explained the SS number.

Poetry can, of course, take many forms, but usually imagery is at its heart. Other than the simile Like a new religion borrowing from the Ancients I had trouble with the lack of imagery. Your theme is interesting but I found the language more prose than poetry. I think it’s worth another shot with more provocative language.

Stargate

J_es avatar General Stranger

May 04, 2008

J_es

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J_es reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

thought provoking.
” When we die
Is our number recycled? ”
that’s a crazy good question. i’m feel this.

_penxEvexDamon_ avatar General Stranger

May 04, 2008

_penxEvexDamon_

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_penxEvexDamon_ reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

I liked the style. Also, I thought that it had a powerful message in it. I can’t find much fault in it at all. good job. -Eve

youngjed avatar General Stranger

May 04, 2008

youngjed

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youngjed reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

this is an idea looking for a poem.  the nine numbers thing had potential but the language could have been more interesting…

KJEghdami avatar General Stranger

May 04, 2008

KJEghdami

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KJEghdami reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

I love that you were able to write about these ‘nine numbers’ and refrain from calling them what they actually are. Very good.

Rain avatar General Stranger

May 04, 2008

Rain

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Rain reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

Ha. I like it. It’s very “witty” for lack of a better word.
I think it’s so true that out SSN is always called our “identity”, and it’s not who we are.

StormyMonday avatar General Stranger

May 04, 2008

StormyMonday

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StormyMonday reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

CharlesB, I did indeed understand you were referring to SS #s. Very catchy. You are fast becoming one of my favorite poets… on the list with myself, of course. Quite honestly, I do love your work. You are a true Poet. I’m very particular about saying that, but, for you… it’s true. Stormy Monday

Michael_Javert avatar General Stranger

May 04, 2008

Michael_Javert

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Michael_Javert reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

Very nice. True and something to think about. Look forward to seeing more of your writting.

tisha avatar General Stranger

May 04, 2008

tisha

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tisha reviewed Version 2 - Read 100% of the Item

There aren’t really any errors to speak of but I must say that the flow of the poem is a little off. You make a really good and clear point but does it strike any particular emotion inside? I feel like there wasn’t really a connection wiht your emotion or passion. Perhaps if the flow had been a little more fluid… Good Luck.

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CharlesB avatar

CharlesB

Age: 22
Loc: Wheat Ridge, CO
Gen: M
Last Login: October 30
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