Dada

Since this is a repost by special request I thought I might add a little history to it. Dada was basically my attempt to replicate Duchamp’s ready mades (who, by the way, is one of my favorite artists). The poem was taken directly from the warranty of my Sony radio alarm clock with a few alterations. The line “Sophism” and “Commercialism” was added to play on the broad nature of the warranty’s void under “Acts of God” which I repeated for emphasis and valued connection with the poems last line, “Only in the United States of America.” This poem won me a small prize from the Muntz Library Student Poetry Competition.

Dada

This Limited Warranty,

Only covers products,

Issues caused by defects,

In material,

During normal — consumer use.

It does not cover,

Issues caused by,

Acts of God,

Misuse,

Modification,

Acts of God,

Commercialism,

Imperialism,

Sophism,

Limits in technology,

Or acts of God.

This Limited Warranty,

Does not cover,

Products sold as is,

Or products sold — without faults.

This Limited Warranty,

Is invalid,

If the serial number,

Is altered… or removed.

This Limited Warranty,

Is valid,

Only in the United States of America.