Mindlessly staring, my brain fries;
As I watch, my spirit dies.
The remote, an awful tool,
protected by media, encouraged by school.
I flip through channels and all the while
never noticing I never smile.
I was taught to watch; it's all I have known.
Children's cartoons: an addiction was sown.

Television, my best friend
All my time, to him I lend.

Sun goes up; sun goes down
Outside, I stare, Inside I frown.
Colorful pictures flash on the screen
Real gardens, I've never seen.

I sit on the couch, munching on chips,
The perfect snack, eaten with dip.
I am sick, gorging meat and cheese,
Help me God, help me please.

Fresh-picked fruit, I've never tasted,
Microwaved dinners for every meal.
All these years, time I've wasted;
Times like these are not real.

Outside, the sky is blue.
But what's out there? What's there to do?
I put down my chips, realizing I've been a glutton
Reluctantly, I push the power button.
In the windows, the light shines through.
I get off the couch; now there's so much to do.

I open the door, clean air comes my way
The sky is still clear, what a wonderful day!
Sun on my chest, wind in my ears;
Where have I been, all of these years?
Running, playing, tripping, jumping,
Eyes shining, my heart is pumping.
Now I am happy, out here I thrive.
My soul doesn't rest, My spirit's alive!

What treasures lay buried, gems to uncover?
Tress to climb, and things to discover!
In fields, I frolic, trips I take.
In yards, I explore, adventures I make.

Now I am thin: everyday getting stronger
Happiness, I wait for no longer
Happiness comes to those who try
so open your winds so that you may fly
Turn off the TV; Come play with me!
Eat from the tress, the fruit of the land,
Living with nature, hand in hand.
Look for Life; it can be found,
Everywhere! It's all around!
Out and about, God I have seen;
Never once was he on the TV screen!

Climbing on mountains, splashing in streams.
Visions of heaven, throughout my dreams.
I ate poison, I breathed pollution
But then I discovered, there is a solution.

Seek to find
Open your Mind
Open your heart, do your part
Hear my pleas:
a better person you'll be
I think you'll agree
if you turn off the TV.

--Rick is a raw vegan and a frequent contributor to the raw section of vegetarianteen.com.