"National Pastime"

This is an election year here in the USA, so politicians on both sides of the fence are busily doing their best to divide and conquer. To read the bickering that masquerades as debate on Facebook, the strategy appears to be working because there seems to be no middle ground. So what is holding us together as a nation? Expanding choice in every aspect of life has led to fewer cultural meeting points. Now it’s all about niche marketing and “the long tail.” Is there a national pastime? Was there ever?

National Pastime

© 1986 Brian Hutzell

Certain things that we do

We've got in common, me and you

Looking around, it's nothing new

All the others are doing it too

It's the same all over the country

It's part of what keeps it together

It's the loving what we are doing

That makes us want to stay on forever

It's a national pastime, soaking up the sun

A national pastime, fun for everyone

It's a national pastime, listening to the radio

National pastime, and we cry when it's over

Certain things we talk about

Guaranteed to draw a crowd

Familiar phrases are overheard

And interested faces catch key words

It's the same all over the country

It's part of what keeps it going

People from every station

Are sharing similar notions

It's a national pastime, going to a show

A national pastime, everyone can go

It's a national pastime, going to a baseball game

National pastime, and we cry when it's over

Common thread, common practices

Common end, common medicine

It's the same in every city

In every desert and every farm

When leisure hours seem empty

Hitch a ride and come along

It's a national pastime, burgers on the grill

A national pastime, searching for a thrill

It's a national pastime, going out on Friday night

National pastime, and it's never over

"Egg Salad"

Brian Hutzell