*****

Recorded Reading (1:23): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a79nv3v69w0p6kbol9th5/For-or-Against.mp3?rlkey=sqiq6t2ffq7z60ooj5qao2me3&dl=0

*****

For or Against

I’m not against our wooden homes,
But I am for the trees —
I’m not against big industries,
But for those run by families

I’m not against the wealthy
Than myself who have the more —
I am for those who have yet less,
Proactive for the poor

I’m not against the well-fed man
Three times each day eats beef,
But would to one who has not e’en
A bowl of rice bring some relief

Not against the owner
Of vacant property
He dare not open homeless to,
So full of fear he be

Of being sued or violating
Some excessive law
Generated in our system’s
Self-perpetuating maw,

But strongly for compassionate
Mercies given, large and small,
To those by fate who find themselves
Driven to the wall

Not against personal space
But for nuturing touch —
Guess you might say I’m “for” a lot
But I’m not “against” much!

*****

This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

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