Labels

The label said “Do not remove”

“Made in the U.S.A.”

“Warning”

“Fragile”

“This side up”

“Keep cool”

“Refrigerate”

I could not tell what was inside 

I opened up the parcel

A can of food 

The label torn 

I read a tiny morsel

They listed all ingredients

Preservatives and grams of fat

All nutrients and calories

Yet how it tastes 

It can’t tell that

They bleached

Enriched

And processed

Adding artificial flavor

So what I ate

I am not sure

Regardless of the savor

How much of life is just like this

They put us in a box

They label us

They list our parts

And here’s the paradox

They add their phony flavor

Till identity’s concealed

And most of us are satisfied

With Good House Keeping’s seal