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2.4k · Jan 2017
Herbert Marcuse!
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
Marcuse! Marcuse! Where the **** are you?
He moved to California and all he could do was argue.
Instead of gratitude through platitudes and assimilation,
He sought to change the west with his social trepidation.
A change is coming, from West to East
As society embraces that Germans beast.
"You're a ****** if I say so, an idiot racist with a scapegoat."
The only fun he ever had was raging in his raincoat.
The man was ungrateful and stole our academia.
Now all schools teach is his prepackaged mass anemia.
Purging true thought, cursing the whole lot while he's at it.
Burning loose crops, as each kids churning an addict.
Marcuse! Marcuse! where the **** are you?
Marcuse! Marcuse! How the **** could you?
If being inspired by others to speak on behalf of my own feelings and logic is bigotry or racist then so be it. It's time to move past political correctness and "social justice" and allow individual thought to flourish again. The radicalized left have kidnapped poetry and the arts and us as individual artists need to take it back.  Poetry was never non denominational, poetry was never non partisan. Be objective in everything. Art is to reflect passion sacrifice and most of all used to reflect the biases of the artist themselves.
2.3k · Jan 2017
Immigration
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
Be it legal or against the law do it responsibly.
I am peaceful but First things first this isn't a democracy.
Americans thirst for a social utopian ideology.
But they settle for copious amounts of frozen philosophy.
It isn't regal. Americans Constantly Insisting comradery.
Right now the world is a messed up place and people are very angry at each other. Well some would argue it's always been that way but nonetheless people need to stay positive, have faith, and try to understand why law is there for everyone's benefit. Wether you can see it now or not we need to come together because there is definitely people in the world who want to do us harm.
2.3k · Apr 2013
Welcome home.
Joshua Dougan Apr 2013
I fell from a high place. Rebelled and defiled Grace.
Her face so ripe in the light of faith leaving this plight so trite,
It's mine to taste.

I do not feel, weakness is for the blessed.
I am not real, breathless, fading and wretched. So...
As this tiny flash appears, it takes all attacks of fear.
And like the light of a kings ears, it breaks the fight for a new year.
2.0k · Jan 2017
Rape
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
Have some standards poets!
Your audience beckons you.
If you talk about genitalia...
Then think of what that says of you.
A supple blossom, coupled with utter elation,
It is not grabbing her breast: your udder titillation.
Write what you will, poetry is of the heart.
But don't force yourself on her and call it art!
Standards.
1.5k · Jan 2017
Birth of Esther.
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
Hello Baby Girl, welcome to this crazy situation.
This world of opportunity and lazy Lamentations.
Don't worry though my daughter, we will be alright.
Cause we're not to falter, we always see what's right.
Your family loves you, they won't leave you be.
But trust me at the end of the day it will be you and me.
Cause I'm your daddy and your my blessed beauty.
And the love I feel for you really says it truly.
Bringing you into this world of so much pressure,
Me and your mom decided to call you Esther.
Your middle is Marie, and your last takes after me.
But trust me you will always be my Georgia Peach.
My daughter was born last night. 6lbs7oz 19in long at 8:10pm. Esther Marie is poised to make us a very proud family. We love her and are very happy to have finally met her.
1.4k · Dec 2016
Peekaboo
Joshua Dougan Dec 2016
Passing the sheets over his eyes,
"Boo!" Met with laughter beyond reprise.
Passing the sheets over his eyes,
"Boo!" Gazing through the stars that shine at night.
Passing the sheets over his eyes,
"Boo!" Soaking up little moments That are gifted, with the boy.
Passing the sheets over his eyes,
"Boo!" Wondering how long I can keep this up,

you know?...
Passing the sheets over his eyes,

"Boo!"

Afraid to blink, afraid to miss time.
1.3k · May 2013
Tide
Joshua Dougan May 2013
Sushi rolls, honeydew, and bike rides
A lifeline of lovely views and bright eyes.
A strawberry scent. And a dog staring says;
A tide lies, but we knew this always in hindsight.
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
Are we alt-right? Are we alright?
When definitions change will all see it outright?
Go ahead be proud, eat hash.
Understand the insecurities of the backlash.
For now Lets try this Tea. (You see?)
With open mind and objectivity.
Cheers!
1.1k · May 2013
Sheep
Joshua Dougan May 2013
You don't lead sheep by teaching them how to read and write.
You lead sheep by making them feel insecure about themselves and their own decisions so they look to you for guidance.
1.0k · Feb 2017
Domestic Abuse
Joshua Dougan Feb 2017
I gave someone an inch, they dragged me for miles.
Called me "*******"; some laughed but no one smiled.
Now I'm suffering like this, this bastardized trial.
Lovers that hit while they kiss its the standard I've reviled
I'm tired. I admit I'm soured to the pit.
But this fire that's within is like the flowers to the kids.
Disclaimer: This is not inspired by my life. This poem just evolved from the first two lines. I love my wife, I love my kids, so this more or less is about the moment when someone opens themselves up to abusive people.
989 · Dec 2016
Inverted
Joshua Dougan Dec 2016
In introspect,
hindsights stumbling over intuition.
Guts hard as a rock.
Minds eye coupling with superstition.
Feeling lost, without a paddle, up the stream facing tomorrow.
Trading calls, seizing, coughing out a scream. Laced with a sorrow.
Silence escapes the harrowed moment.
a siren: opaque.
Privately shamed, a borrowed atonement and a giant mistake.
961 · Dec 2016
Don't speak
Joshua Dougan Dec 2016
Speak from the heart. The tip of the tongue.
Fly off the cuff, The hip of your gun.
Set scenes apart, a trip to the sun.
Getting High on the huff, the gifting of love.

Speak from the heart, easier said then done.
Treat it like art, Feeding the dread with glum.
Speak from the heart, easier said then done.
Freezing at start, leading the dead with guns.
956 · Feb 2017
Heroes
Joshua Dougan Feb 2017
People should be a little bit brighter
A little bit happier, don't be a miser.

Why is everyone so quick to anger,
So scared of danger and sick on paper.
Get a life, learn to smile you fakers.
Nothing in this world is gonna make it safer.

Misery loves company trust me it's ugly.
They came to be lovely til their feelings need cuddling.
Coddling is more like it, insulating even.
They don't realize they're insinuating treason.

Inciting some violence by some violet snowflakes.
Protesting the silence with science and show dates.

Our heroes reborn, a new purpose and will.
All zeroes now scorned by the true service of skill.
953 · Jul 2014
Sabbatical
Joshua Dougan Jul 2014
I used to write to a beat like I had a rap to repeat.
I'd laugh cause I'm weak and I lied through my teeth.

I was not that angry but still upset as I said "**** don't faze me, but I lose my breath." As I lose respect.

Still... I liked to think I had the right to peace,

To change my world or try at least.

Looking back my writtens were livid.
Simplistic, moody blips driven by visions.

Just wicked.

It was time for a change I took a sabbatical, no more syphoning rage now I'm living less radical.

I used to write to a beat like I had a rap to repeat.
But now I laugh and I weep. Live life til I collapse and that's me.
938 · May 2013
4lines
Joshua Dougan May 2013
Being an introvert is kind of rough,
You see, cause I believe in finding love.
A sight to see... but I'm blind to luck.
Cause in the end, inside I'm stuck.
932 · May 2013
A fog
Joshua Dougan May 2013
As the fog piques my vision my pen trembles.
Papers crumple and my head is weathered, I think to myself:

"I wish I could control what I write, tho...
It'd be unusually droll to decide to
Just rhyme about what excites to **** time.

I don't know anyone who would trade lives for picket signs.
To tell the whole world of all those who lived and died.
They're content to check themselves out and stress over ticket times while wondering which way to tint their eyes.

Their sick inside.
A fickle kind.

But in a world of cause and effect with laws in effect,
Did we ever control anything?
Including the applause during sets."...

...And as the fogs pouring in, just beyond four am.
I ask myself, "am I lost? and how far gone is my pen?"
No answer leaves me wondering on til the end
And As the paper crumples I move on to my bed.
931 · Jan 2017
Esther/Georgia
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
I'm about to have a baby at 36 weeks
My wife is the only person I have to talk to.
My only support structure needs my support.
My rock is my son but he can't speak words yet.
My family seems preoccupied. Even during times like this.
I have friends... Oh wait... Where?
The first time was so stressful because we weren't sure what would happen.
Now we are just unprepared...
There's emotional support but everyone stops short of actually helping. Sad but true.
Meeting my daughter was supposed to be different.
I'm just upset I couldn't make it perfect for her.
899 · Apr 2013
Pacify
Joshua Dougan Apr 2013
I wonder, if I keep talking will you listen.
Thunder walking, a shrill envisioned.
A pill prescription to either heal or sicken.
But in the end you will fear the wicked.

Please no ups and downs, no undulations.
Don't make waves that cut the sound like iterations.
Let it go, I bet it flows. It might be bitter haven,
but love those who grow above this simple hatred.

Open your eyes and be quiet.
Don't pass away just believe in dying.
Treat the crying with tears of might
And buy me another day to appeal your fright.

Believe in me Zion.
839 · May 2013
Birdsong
Joshua Dougan May 2013
She came and went with news of new...
Fleeting, she flew the coop for views anew.
A bird of freedom to choose her groom,
But she lost her fruit and resumed her move.

He stood there heartbroken and devastated,
Only to witness the Stars broken and left with hatred.
Every breath he wasted became a scar atoned by a senseless fragrance...
A bar that's cold and blessed with dankness.

But she came and went with news of new...
She loved his soul but knew they'd lose at twos.
She moved his moods but she's glued to new.
A bird of prey, she resumed her move.

She comes and goes with news of new.
835 · May 2013
A maze inlayed.
Joshua Dougan May 2013
She will sow a curtain that's engaged in flames,
And As you falter the courage you say no pain no gain.
So refrain your shame for certain you will tame this fane,
But beware below this burden is a maze inlayed.
813 · Jan 2017
War of words
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
Rules, regulation and form, allows for the greatest accord.
A ruse, my elation, at the shore with the bravest of swords.
Let me explain, poetry should be like a storm, a war of the words.
But Treat every one like a worm: your encouraging your curse.
You can't move forward without inertia at your back.
It's just the set of rules that allow Us to teach that.
So yes, the form and regulations enable the greatest of sets.
But unless you use them you will just be a sadist at best.
803 · Jan 2017
Throw away your California.
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
California is a *****.
She's rude and obnoxious and
She doesn't give a ****.
She doesn't care about me...
Or my family...
Every threat I face she blames MY anatomy.
California harbors resentment, look at the lot of coverage.
Except it's directed east of LA and at laws that govern it.
It's really despicable, dare I say "deplorable".
Don't put your eggs in this basket trust me it's horrible.
Can I help build this wall. I will gladly volunteer my work towards this project if by doing so I can possible got out of the hell hole that is California. In fact I will volunteer under no pretense if we extend the wall to seal the inside of California from the rest of the country.
785 · Dec 2016
Light.
Joshua Dougan Dec 2016
The sun in my arms so radiant and peaceful.
A bright shine in the way of a smile miles wide.
The sun in my stars has my reaffirming faith.
His kind eyes have a way of glimmering lightly.
Leaving one to wonder, just how can anything be so.
776 · May 2013
Letter to you.
Joshua Dougan May 2013
Dear Poem,

    We talk everyday, you know me by many names. But we are beyond names. You know me as a person. You understand me and when I am in need of guidance you are  quick to point out my flaws and lead me back to the straight and narrow. You never let me forget. Sometimes I may have turned a blind eye to you for this simple fact but in the end I realize the importance of remembering.

     You are intelligent, you grow with me. But always a few steps ahead. You drive me farther with every dialogue that's shared between us. As if to coach me along in life and say, "life is not a box of chocolates but the bond that the box of chocolates represents" you say things that bring revelations that change my life. I love hurt feel pain and happiness everyday and you are there to take in all the pressures I have built up.

     I have no doubt that the pen in my hand and the paper beneath my palm is only the effect, caused by our interaction. It's this interaction that I am eternally grateful for. And for as long as you are there for me, I will be there for you. And you will not fade away.

      With love,
      Me.
770 · Jul 2013
Untitled
Joshua Dougan Jul 2013
Usually I explode words on the page with unflinching hope and accuracy.
A treasure trove or curse, are the days. uplifting souls from blasphemy.
But a tragedy speaks, of everlasting grief, Pictured on a stellar tapestry.
It portrays an unknown that leaves my pen inactive... Great...
769 · Dec 2016
Smoking Mirrors
Joshua Dougan Dec 2016
The princess is dead, a tragic loss in mid air.
Our boy George has passed the torch along to his heir.
Major Tom blasted into space and ***** wonka was cast in haste.
But now we are drawn to the stage so sincere.
753 · Apr 2013
Program the child.
Joshua Dougan Apr 2013
It's like trailing off, you know. Craving constant unawareness.
We're addicted to getting lost
Inflicted by a logic impairment.
Watch your tv, listen to their music.
Sickened by the views it's truly a mood trick.
Imagine a household, amassed by this foul hold.
Sitting in down pour, trapped by this crowd code.
A programming to stop advancement
Live vicariously, and laugh at hat tricks.
But that's it, it's tragic, they call it magic.
A lab ridden with addicts to stall our actions.
It saddens me to say, this house were discussing right now.
Isn't laden with mud and clay, lets just say we're gonna drown.
692 · Sep 2013
Words
Joshua Dougan Sep 2013
Bred of you who lacks master views.
A brat to smack, Abuse and Mask the bruise.
Attract doom, and gloom that reacts at last for few.
So backtrack the move and trap the mood.
687 · Apr 2013
Tether
Joshua Dougan Apr 2013
Tethered lives blot the page with an ink so effervescent  
The letters lie to mock her grace. A dream that's never pleasant.
Misled, his drive stops to pace his fear. The severed message.
So tethered lives blot the page with the tears. It's ever present.
653 · Dec 2016
Kis(s)
Joshua Dougan Dec 2016
Keep it short, keep it sweet.
Count to four and leap in deep.
If unsure just keep at ease.
Dreaming thru the leaves and trees.
Keep it short, keep it sweet.
Breaching shores to sweet relief
Keep it short, keep it sweet.
A mean retort. A breeze to seize.
640 · Jan 2017
An Idea
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
I actually haven't written raps in quite some time. Just poetry, but I got my start in 2008 on a website called my16bars (it has since gone down sadly) but I retained a lot of what I learned there.

There was a cool group of us young men who were daily users and we always shared our rhymes with each other and gave the best most honest critiques we could. as a group we wanted to elevate ourselves.

Life circumstances has changed me a lot, I have a son and am days away from having my daughter with my wife. Our life is great except for all the hardship,superficial and immediate. That's why I'm back at it now. And I take it a bit more serious. I'm shooting for poetry, wether traditional or slam but still I take a lot from rap lyricists and r n b artists.

I guess my idea is this tho, hello poetry is great but "likes" are kind of dated and hard to get. This will quickly become a popularity contest if we focus on the little heart. Instead I'm thinking of starting a chain, or forwarding group that we can share and critique, as well as repost and share/add to collections. This seems really redundant considering poetry groups are around and prevalent. But nobody, and you can look into this, nobody critiques poetry here. So people who rhyme are never tried and tested to do better.

The reason why a cypher works in rap is because if you **** people call you out right? Well that's not how it happens here in hello poetry, instead everyone likes and doesn't comment, or comments but no like, or likes and reposts but no comment. But I don't see anyone telling people that they could have done better, no one says "that's cool but maybe if you tried it this way" and honestly I myself am afraid to try this as well out of fear that my trying to be helpful will be misconstrued as an insult.

Poets can be the most sensitive people and for good cause. I liken myself to sensitivity but I hope one day we won't have to worry about hurting each others feelings and we can start really motivating each other to elevate our status. To do better. I'm not just searching for people to make me a better poet I'm looking for poets who want to get better with me.
If you're interested in working with me please get in touch as all opportunities have a shelf life.
637 · Jan 2017
A night like this.
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
A night as quaint as this has no place for the bravest kids.

It teeter totters right on faith and sin
As a creature falters inside made of pins and needles eager to fray the wit.

A leader fathers the right to slay and bleed away at the sane and sick.
And there you are, tamed and whipped.

A night as quaint as this has no need to embrace these kids
Repost
624 · Dec 2016
To the left.
Joshua Dougan Dec 2016
"Radical", "Alternative", "Identity"...
A vitriol like societal vasectomy.
"Rights", "Privilege", "****** Freedom".
A sensation of consensual treason.
"Liberal", "Conservative", based on the republic of democracy.
Criminal words. A pejorative state in the public... A hypocrisy.
Divisive, an American conscription to racism.
Leading to globalization in the face of its statism.
It is what it ism, a pseudo intellectual cataclysm.
A simple decision, the prism of sensually fanatic but static visions.
I guess it's time to rethink the lies of your main game.
But then again... Belief is one thing that I've yet to maintain.
616 · Mar 2018
Unfinished Peace
Joshua Dougan Mar 2018
Guess what?
Ive met my purpose,
My head's up and I've blessed the curses.
Last thing I wanna do is start blasphemin
Truth on the surface
Cause you're my Lord, Jesus, now I'm believing you.
And I'm worthless ...

I watched you carry your cross and blessed behold ya
A child was born in Bethlehem and now it's finished, on the road in Golgotha.
A scourge taken, striped with blood and denied your Haven.
They spit on you... And you felt God forsaken.
But You asked and your father forgave them

Your mother watched as they tortured you.
Your breathing stopped just short of your fortitude
left you atop The cross, with a sordid view
Stripped of your clothing they were doubled and quartered too.
Gambled upon like the souls of subtle who murdered you.

It's your servitude.
614 · Feb 2017
V
Joshua Dougan Feb 2017
V
Close my eyes and drift away.
Everyday, sitting in this shade of shame.
Sow my mind, been sick and dazed
Day to day living with these Jaded traits.

Close my eyes see scenes so tame.
Labored breathing leaving me awake.
So my mind it seems to fade,
To all the ones leading me to keep the faith.

Love my life, but weep away.
Hide the knife, you won't see my face.
The truest advice to reap the fray
Was when you told me to seize the day.
611 · May 2013
Thought on time.
Joshua Dougan May 2013
Today is a new day although the memory of yesterday remains in my bones.
I only see whats to come yet I'm constantly aware and present inside my head.

In school they taught it like a lineage. A linear point separated by time.
Past present and future.

So how is it that these three realities are here, are now, working together to form my perception?
610 · Apr 2013
Nowhere to be.
Joshua Dougan Apr 2013
A night as quaint as this has no place for the bravest kids.

It teeter totters right on faith and sin
As a creature falters inside made of pins and needles eager to fray the wit.

A leader fathers the right to slay and bleed away at the sane and sick.
And there you are, tamed and whipped.

A night as quaint as this has no need to embrace these kids
594 · Apr 2013
Just a thought,
Joshua Dougan Apr 2013
I want to go back home.
we live in boxes.
We stare at boxes.
We exit boxes get into moving boxes that deliver us to a different box.
Where we ship boxes.
We look through windows as if they were paintings.
I've been in a box whose windows literally were paintings.
We **** ourselves over pieces of paper.
Even the precious metals are overlooked for this paper.
My body hurts,
I'm confused.
It's like I'm lost in my own box
And I want to go back home.
Ever wonder why they say think outside the box?
585 · Apr 2013
A plea.
Joshua Dougan Apr 2013
I want you to hear me,
Jeer at me or cheer me
Cause I want you here for me.

I've got what it takes.
A voice that piques your choice of taste.
At a loss for what is faith
But a boy to beat, or love. Embrace.

I don't do this for attention.
It's closer to, words that mask the tension.
A life lesson in aggression towards the lack of message.
But I grasp the sentence.

And I have a theory though I'm quite leery.
If I keep my lines endearing then you just might hear me.
560 · May 2013
Four lines
Joshua Dougan May 2013
I didnt grow up nice, I didnt grow up mean.
I grew up fast, I bullied, then I Went green.
I didnt throw up signs but I've blown up beats.
Too few and too fast but never tongue in cheek.
553 · Jun 2013
First in a while.
Joshua Dougan Jun 2013
She pulls you in with thoughts and wishes.
A fool you've been, got lost in kisses.
And as you fall from within you fog your vision.
So when she's gone your left distraught and livid.
Resent keeps building as you toss the innocence.
And the sentence is lost like the woman in the box your living in.
No talks worth sitting thru, you'd rather dodge the privilege.
But now your alone and insecure, it's the cost of sickness.

But you live with it.
542 · May 2013
1
Joshua Dougan May 2013
1
I want to shed my skin and shake the dust.
Not just year of the snake or sin, but also faith and love.
I want to heal from the inside out and not bother with the vain, and lust.
But I regret the trip of craving sick.
Just some appeal that's designed from the pain of us.
511 · Dec 2013
I can't think
Joshua Dougan Dec 2013
I can't think,
Poems lack a certain tragedy.
My black ink
Blots while the person laughs at me.
The masks seize
As this gets worse and saddens me.
And lastly,
A Trance bleeds the curse so magically.

It's trapping me.
503 · Jan 2017
One word.
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
Fair weather.
It's one way to be.
Just not for me, In fact...
insane to be.
Share your pain,
I care about you.
But you refrain exclaiming "harrowing" truths.
Except in this instance
I wouldn't know.
Communication never continued to grow.
It's easy to forget in favor of life circumstance.
But not easy to be forgotten and feeling circumvent.
You could have just said "hello"
It wouldn't have hurt a bit.

But it's alright I realize your life is just "a bit more pertinent"
490 · Apr 2013
Until next time.
Joshua Dougan Apr 2013
In the last year we've talked twice.
We locked eyes once, but walked by.
Thought, "can't hear your song, cry"
But "your wrong," right? Go on lie.
What happened here, Did bonds die?
Did we try to right the wrongs of a long life with false hype.
Maybe that's it, a crazy tactic of a Cold War.
A preemptive head trip, so that's it? "No more?"
No more.
488 · Dec 2016
Take a chance.
Joshua Dougan Dec 2016
At a comedy show where a man got stabbed.
It wasn't funny, herded like cattle and expected to dance.
In the throes of Vegas, we had grown so blatant.
Today wasn't the day, we would not be caged in.
At a comedy show where an old man had to be dad.
Nepotism opens the show in the form of a jam kind of band.
Cackled like he's 80, shackled to the 80's with a tan
A man with few fans but still a brand that was most hated; sans man.
"A comedy show where we laugh with our friends." A tag attracts to no end.
Take a chance on the awfully droll. A trance with no chance.
Happening during happenstance
480 · Jul 2013
Words
Joshua Dougan Jul 2013
Why would I change the flow of which i need to mimic those that speak of poetry?

You know what I mean?

So old and obscene. droves of bone and teeth and a cynical prose of droll they sold to me.
479 · Feb 2017
Durge Comp
Joshua Dougan Feb 2017
Playing through the scratches and blemishes to reveal a time less complicated.
Ever find that "mix tape" cd in the dark corner of some crevice, badly beaten to hell waiting for you to put it out of its misery and instead you pop it in a player and it by the grace of God plays every single song taking you back in time?
456 · Jan 2021
Dear John
Joshua Dougan Jan 2021
i feel older now.
you can feel the stakes change.
aging, children, marriage, ... death.
bills become more worrisome.
money gets tight.
dreams diminish
thought stretched.
laziness...
depression.
... death.
Im sorry to the ones who didnt get to say goodbye.
the ones who couldnt go on.
for those who gave up.
im sorry.
I cant imagine suffocating like that.
except i can. and it hurts
I love you
Godspeed loved one.
456 · Jan 2017
Free speech
Joshua Dougan Jan 2017
Imagine that, a peaceful protest is made using silly string and good intentions.
Not to mention, smiles instead of bandanas no silly screaming and sitting sessions.
They were protesting, trying to speak: a far cry from the left protesting free speech.
A populous training, maintaining, no resting, no peace.
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