“My Empire of Dirt” reflects on the generation sacrifice and unspoken conversations from one generation to the other. Re-released with a spoken word video now. Inspired by Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt”.
When I was ten, my dad handed me a shovel.
He told me, “This will keep you out of trouble,
And although this life is going to hurt,
This is how you build your empire of dirt.”
I soon traded my shovel forward.
I would rather rattle the keyboard,
Than dig in the mines all day.
Despite my father making a living that way.
My computer turned into a degree.
I thought, “They will be proud of me.”
Breaking tradition! Breaking the cycle!
To me, these things, you entitle.
While I built this temple of knowledge,
They were the ones paying for my college.
I ignored all of their hurt,
And watched as they dug deeper,
Their empire of dirt.
Hold up a minute.
I’m interested in what you think! I read all comments and do my best to reply.
Please consider subscribing to stay up to date with all things Primitive Poetry.
I am actively looking for ways to collaborate with other poets. If you have a podcast, or are interested in creating together, please go to my contact page and send me a message.
Follow me on socials:
Discover more from Primitive Poetry
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.


We all step into the boots of some really big plodding souls, our ancestors. They know less about us than we acknowledge in them, but yeah, that happened. Is happening.
Thank you Chuckster, sounds like you have a poem to write there!
You are obsessed with telling people to write poems. There is more ways than poetry to express yourself. It’s your way and I respect that. Just like not everyone needs to eat nutritional yeast and legumes, though it’s a fucking good idea if you ask me. Which you didn’t, but I am oversharing! Ha! About bloody time. “Amen”
Ah hahaha, you got me there. I just find them to be digestible so when I see something I like I wanna tell someone to write a poem.
BTW, you should write a poem about legumes
I should obey you, yes master bates. Actually, here are some song lyrics to a song called” the tight shit blues” that mention legumes. Can’t take full credit, was a team effort from the heartless wenches, from our unreleased ep called Crunchy, crumbly cookie bits. Made a band tshirt though, as you do.
I got the tight shit blues
I can’t work it loose
Been eating beans all week
But all I get is a squeak
Been trying with all my might
But it’s just way too tight
Gotta lube the Shute and scoop the 💩 loose
Will keep you hanging for verse 2 when I am able to remember it.
neat balance between your achievements and their sacrifice.
Feels like the world is a little too full of people who just point out their own achievements…forgetting the shoulders we stand on.
Yes, we should never forget the sacrifices made to get us where we are today.
Agreed!
This is quite poignant in its delivery! Love the interchanging meaning of ’empire of dirt’! Truly evocative! Have a nice day!
BBB