What if you could explain economics and finance in the form of a poem? Jess Walter writes about exactly that in “The Financial Lives of the Poets
Jess tells us about the economy, poetry, and whether there's anything that's too awful to smile about or turn into a haiku.
Meanwhile, we're asking you: Send us your haikus about the economy. It can be anything about the recession, the recovery, the stimulus, your personal situation or the president's policies. Just remember the 5-7-5 form: five syllables, then seven syllables, then five syllables. We'll read the best ones on the air with Jess.
Text us yours to 69866 with the word TAKE, or call it in to 877-8-MY-TAKE.
Here are two to get you started (one is Jess's, one is ours):
The market collapsed.
The economy suffered.
We are still reeling.
Is it possible
that my long-lost lapsed lender
has contacted me?
Here are some we've gotten on Facebook and via text:
We sought too much.
We strove for everything
We remembered nothing.
—Michael Few
Gray on gray, storms build.
The tower kept calling us.
Still we flew away.
—Steven Parker
Bought House This Decade
For Last Eight Years Payments Made
Equity Gone, Can't Sell Now
—Kevin Stebleton
Text messages:
Economy: wreck
people are living in fear
fringe groups reign supreme
—Natasha, Miami, Fla.
I want sustenance,
just food clothing and shelter,
then i'll be happy.
—Gary Fowler, Chandler, Okla.
Unscathed I sit
warm For my brethren
I cry Soon I may join them
—Jonathan, Columbia, S.C.
Green, fibrous cash
gets spent quicker than it's made.
I need more of it!
—Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
I have no money.
I want some, give me a job.
Saving is futile.
—Tamara, Baltimore, Md.
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The show is a co-production of WNYC Radio and Public Radio International, in collaboration with New York Times Radio and WGBH Boston.
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Comments [20]
Washington "Mutual":
WaMu.... MuWho? “US”Mu?
“Chase”Mu? WhoMu? 'You?
We created that
barbaric pop over the
rooftops of this world
"Cut costs!" "More with less!!"
"Improved productivity!!!"
We're all exhausted.
How can I find the Haiku that was read today which was about "our greed...let's blame Obama"? I thought it was right-on.
Like Mr. Walters' protagonist, I too began offering online financial commentary, in the form of "Limericks Économiques," but without having given up my day job. Here is one of my favorites:
"The New American Dream"
The Smiths, of 212 Willow Lane,
Thought their mortgage a terrible strain;
They defaulted and then
Moved next door to 210,
Where they rent, and are solvent a-gain.
http://www.limericksecon.com
Economic Haiku 1:
Nine dollars an hour.
I went to college for this?
I was misinformed.
Economic Haiku 2:
One paycheck away
From living in the Honda.
My wife calls "shotgun!"
Economic Haiku 3:
Mortgage or phone bill?
I can't pay them both this month.
I have boomer angst.
Economic Haiku:
Lived beyond means
Gargantuan living styles
Not deserved - now gone
Are "we the people?"
From grammar wrought such foul thoughts?
When did grammar died
Corporate Control
Regulation means price hike
Threats to common good
I am your talent
That's why I just have to ask:
Why ME for layoff?
Dow's up ninety points
Sam's Club serves crabcake samples
Mmm. Time for dinner
Job security?
Media has it in spades:
Manufactured news.
The banks robbed us.
With wide-eyed greed they practiced
capitalism.
my name is Brian
traffic today was awful
bad economy?
My Haiku:
Fiscal house amok.
Economy in freefall.
Need to turn the ship.
David L. Rowe
College loan payment envelope
Sealed, a drop of my thumb’s blood
Streaked across. Ouch! (Twice.)
left job recently
early retirement,you see
a year off ...and then?
You asked for Japanese; this one is in Greek.
Χωρίς χρίματα,
τίποτα μπορεί να πάει.
Το κέφι λείπει.
Without money,
nothing can go.
The mood is missing.
our constitution:
no word on economy
all about justice
again with red ink
my budget once more is drawn
less my fortunes change
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