dirty
something pernicious
that has lasted
when we talk
when we listen
when we laugh
and cry
when we forget it all
and repeat
when we stop reading
we write only when
something wrong occurs
when we write
we start reading when
something mirthful occurs
we compliment the dead
and the suicidal
--the suicidees
we are something, public
that has lasted
this long
when we steal
and not even replace it
with a helpful, joyful smile
of appreciation
when we yell
and the children cry
because their pain is only emotional
because they need to feel a harsh
beating
when we lie
because it's just a bit more
simpler
than explaining the entire story
when we pawn off
the pawns
and when
the cats refuse to get close enough
to be pet
the public
is something
[revise]