By Sam Hendrian
“Requiem for Liberty”
Liberty and justice for all
With a few exceptions, of course
But you needn’t mind them
If you’re not them.
Checks and balances are only there
To give the illusion of conversation
Rather than single statements
Falling from infallible lips.
A combo of high school teacher and gym class bully:
If they’re being disruptive
Or plain just can’t keep up,
Kick ‘em out!
Shrug your shoulders, shake your head,
Go on baking your daily bread
‘Cause the best way to stay ahead
Is to dream from the comfort of your bed.
Liberty and justice for all
With a few exceptions, of course
But you needn’t be jealous;
They’ll come for you eventually.
“Insignificant Interactions”
Stands upright at the cannabis counter
Like a choir girl about to sing a solo,
Delaying loneliness
Customer per customer.
Relishes recommendations,
Chances to speak words without dollar signs:
“This one’s really delicious,”
“Have you ever tried that one before?”
She neither flirts nor skirts the fine fine line
Between friend and means-to-an-end,
Merely personalizing moments
That otherwise might be faceless.
Appreciates disagreements
Far more than smiles and nodded heads
For the simple fact that dissent
Implies actual engagement.
Goes home with some gummies of her own
To enhance her cashier credibility
But also to embellish
The precious details of insignificant interactions.
“Optional Exit”
Trembled at a casual request
Gentle in its delivery
For fear of it revealing itself
As a closeted command.
Needed the exit sign firmly in sight,
Otherwise she’d never stay
Since there was nothing more unwelcoming
Than a “Welcome Home” she didn’t agree to.
Protected her smiles from being noticed
Lest anyone assume she was happy
And pause their periodic concern,
Their clumsy quest to keep her safe.
She was an exception to the conception
That the kindest hearts are the blindest,
Seeing far too much
Yet choosing to love anyway.
Continued saying no
Even when the answer was yes
Simply to show
She’d come and go on her own terms.
