cresting Ben Franklin,
taut lips melt into a smile
for unknown reasons.

instead of inspiring consumption
then supplying the means,
let’s hand out the cash,
praying that they’ll spend it.

fear in the market;
world economies falter
all because of us?

formal rituals
are unnecessary to
divorce from your past.

frantic conductor -
is he directing music
or waving for help?

challenge injustice
or be resigned to joining
its conspiracy.

injustice suffered
is humanity’s burden;
we are all victims.

injustice suffered
is humanity’s doing;
we are all culprits.

the card below was sent my way by a fellow Modern Letter Project correspondent (with artwork apparently designed by her fiancé)

simple compliments
are just a breath away from
expressions of love.

I don’t belong
yet I do,
and the part of me that does
belongs to you.

the need to create
pervades me like a virus
turning out my soul.