tara caribou
poetry & short story author – artist & nature lover
Know Your Place
put your toes to the line
know your place
you aren’t worth a bar of silver
your identity: you have none
here, we paint your face
clown-face, so sad, so happy
chalk line on the pavement
follow the red tape that direction
you think you’re something special?
Ha!
think again, you dumb bitch
you aren’t anything we don’t say you are
today you walk this way
tomorrow you don’t say orange
it doesn’t exist, never did
don’t question your reality
it is exactly as we say it is
know your place
stay in line
you’re nobody
except a number
replace a name
forget your face
wait right there
now step backward
tara caribou | ©2021
34 Comments on “Know Your Place”
tara caribou 
Ohhhh. This one is fantastic.
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Thanks Haze.
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wow, that cut …
shades of the wall, the machine, brazil – the clown face is such a good place it hide, literally or metaphorically, but sadness is not just on the inside … as much as we hold ourselves to be true, as much as we rebel against wrong, we still so often do what we are (often subconsciously) told, what we are programmed to do – nothing more than wet machines? i speak of my own experience and interpretation, but yes, this cut. i liked.
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Yep, that’s it exactly, too. More often than not.
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Walk in file, stand in line…
Recall: Reality is the only word in the language that should ALWAYS be used in quotes (I really ought to properly source that phrase one day, but I think it was Leary).
Cutting. Piercing. I love it.
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It is what we make it.
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Who’s to say what’s real?
How are they anointed?
By what decree
Is that power claimed?
Who will dare tag them liars?
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I think “we” as individuals give them the power.
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And “they” are more than happy to take it.
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Oh that is without a doubt. Give them an inch…. and all that.
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Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
Tara Caribou – Absolute Decrees
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So damn good!
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Thanks Brandon. Now get in line….
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Yes ‘mam!
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Know your place? Never got the hang of it!
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Some people never do… but most fall right in line.
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I hear you powerfully with this one.
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Thank you dear Candice. 💕
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I like orange, screw them! Great writing Tara..replace your face, next number, get in line, know your place 👆🏼
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Orange? What’s orange?? Is this a made-up word?! Poets. Never could get the hang of toeing the line.
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You got me there
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Powerful lines that really resonate about control and conformity – got 1984 Orwell vibes from this. Great piece!
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Thanks Tom!
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This cuts to the quick so well! Sends a shiver…
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It’s one of those things, right?
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Fabulous 👏👏👏
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Powerful writing, Tara, this cuts to the core. Secret, I think, is to show that you are ‘in’ and disguise your feelings from those with whom you have no connection. Just a thought.
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I believe you’re right, Chris. I’m a bit soft-hearted though. I didn’t used to be, but circumstances ten years ago this April changed all that.
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I won’t pry. As long as you are well in the present – that’s what really counts.
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Thank you for such a great read
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Thanks for taking the time to read it!
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This sinks in and doesn’t let go. Strong post!
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Thank you Benjamin.
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Welcome!
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