by Susan Friendson

I’m not afraid to kick some overreaching profiteers
in their saggy asses.

And still, there’s no tyrant so monstrous
that he can’t be understood.

(deep breaths)

This work is hard, and difficult to maintain.

Remember: it’s okay to love wholeheartedly.
No one is going to slap you, mock you.

Well…
…they might try, but you can read
their unmistakable loneliness
and wish them their freedom.