*****

Recorded Reading (1:02): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8ybcbdaski3huzplo8jmq/Before-the-Poet-Came.mp3?rlkey=abnvr97q0uk8q7zcy71otoaf4&dl=0

*****

Before the Poet Came

Before the poet came along
Things were cool and shady
Nobody we’d rather didn’t
Held out as a lady

Nobody sparkled
We liked it that way —
Nobody kept on reminding
Sober adults they should play

Nobody put forth the proposition —
Seriously, too, forsooth! —
That folks who walk this real live world
Ought to tell the truth

Ought to study mercy
Ought to treat each other well
Oh, the list of her ideas:
Just too droll to tell!

Old fashioned, done-in concepts
Like honor, trust and love —
Whatever else will it be next
That she’ll be thinking of?

It will be more quiet here
Responsibly tame
As we prefer it — as it was
Before the poet came

*****

Until removal of the stalker/targeter/vandal/arsonist following her allows her to approach any landlord ~ even for a private parking space ~ and to begin once again to create professional connections and to rebuild her life, this poet presently lives homeless and at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level ~ still working to contribute to her society, however, seven days a week.

Arts patrons may visit http://www.UgiftABLE.com , using code #72D-31S. It does take several days for the poet to be notified of your patronage.

Thank you for supporting quality in the fine arts.