In High Demand

I led a blind man astray this morning,

took him to the middle of an open field

then drove away.

I took candy from a child

then pushed him into a puddle.

I took change from a fat panhandler

then told the police to arrest her for loitering.

Tomorrow I’ll give a stranger the wrong directions

and won’t leave a tip after lunch.

I’ll misguide your children

and lie to the priest.

If there is anything else to do

you can count on me.

These are troubled times.

From the poetry collection Fence Line (BkMk Press 2004)