(Sometimes) Unwanted / Negative Externalities
Sometimes, I walk through the street When someone solicits me with papers, pamphlets Promising to explain away the horror of the world.
What a small price to pay, then, To rid oneself of guilt: An annual meeting A monthly subscription A weekly prayer A daily burning dreamcatcher
I have trouble saying no to these people Who promise so much; I like their attention, their earnest words That so often, they do in fact believe. The lie is not in their spirit but in the state of affairs. I let them speak, turn my back, and walk away Borrowing their thoughts.
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Walking through costco aisles, Overloaded with nasal sensations, Free samples (free as in beer, not free as in freedom) Steam hauntingly, various foods of various ethnic origin Waiting to be devoured and inspire a greater hunger
Sometimes, I’ll be cajoled into taking a bite The sensation of the moment contains its own shadow, (The absent horror of the thousandth bite)
How sad to be an unwanted free sample All these ghosts of future promises Contained in just 500 characters and some curated portraiture Yet unable to summon a first impression That would betray my bleeding optimism
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Internalize costs, Because sometimes, things that are Expensive… are worse