*****

Recorded Reading (0:51): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vflg1iassmizkudrb3eiy/Record-385.mp3?rlkey=jep7bex5em5vpphclias306d2&dl=0

*****

Cannot Countenance

What you have done’s considered by us worse
Than venal unctuousness, easy betray’l —
Than every other offence may rehearse:
Promises given, careless, left to fail,

Than underhanded petty larceny,
Than tiny-minded twistings of the truth,
Than blatantly practiced dishonesty,
Magnification of small fault, forsooth,

Than jealousy, backbiting, viciousness,
Unwarranted denial of misdeed,
Than savoring gossip’s deliciousness
(Each a commonly acceptable deed)

But you we cannot countenance, for you
Insisted to your conscience to be true

*****

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 seven days a week to contribute to her society, however.

Arts patrons may visit http://www.UgiftABLE.com , using code #72D-31S, or choose to send a personal check to the poet’s ABLE Nevada account. It takes about two weeks for the poet to be notified of your patronage.

Thank you for supporting quality in the fine arts.