*****

Recorded Reading (1:21): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/615qywvd0ryklu9mhxap8/Standing-in-the-Sun.mp3?rlkey=ejyodk8v6p1du3gvrlw0pce60&dl=0

*****

Standing in the Sun

Diogenes, a character,
Chose to live in the village square
Shelt’ring in a barrel, he
Might call himself completely free

Those there were who wondered at
This jolly antiplutochrat
Though his existence many felt
Threatened their consumer cult

At last, news of this parvenu
Reached even royalty unto
Enough subsequently to bring
Him a visit from his King

Whom, upon meeting with the man
Moved was to his price demand
For his ouster from that shell ~
For Kings know one thing very well

That seldom need it asked be twice
Of any man what be his price
Abandon erstwhile principle
Since our world is, sadly, full

To near exploding, oh, indeed,
Of folks who feel themselves in need
Of many things they haven’t got
The means by which such may be bought…

Diogenes considered well
Before he chose his pref’rence tell
Whereupon, squinting one bright eye
Gazed on his sov’reign standing by:

“If you’d step to the left a touch
I would appreciate it much
For I’d be having much more fun
Were you not standing in my sun…”

*****

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.