Richard Randolph Poems

Perhaps the world is a living thing,
and we are merely parasites living on it.
At first, so small and insignificant
no one could imagine our causing any real harm,
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Thank you for calling.
One of our friendly representatives
will be with you shortly.
Please stay on the line.
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So, why is this a great poem?
Let me try to explain.
First, notice there's no rhyme.
Rhyming is for children.
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People say I'm cranky and mean, a cynic,
and I suppose that I am,
but I don't believe equal opportunity is enough.
I believe in true social justice.
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In Praise of Soft Light

I like soft light best,
candles and moonlight.
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All actions have consequences,
but inaction has consequences too.
Every cruel act makes a crueler act more possible;
every kind act helps the recipient and enriches the giver.
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We're all storytellers
reshaping our pasts in the hope that someone,
somewhere, will understand.
And we're all tragic heroes trapped by our flaws.
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Fanatics have managed to frame the abortion debate
so it feels the only option is choosing which side to take.
The result? Suffering, death, and a cultural divide
with everyone feeling pressured to take a side.
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The real meaning of life
is to create a life of real meaning.
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I love to dawdle, to waste time,
to drink fresh brewed coffee while reading the news
or doing a crossword puzzle.
I like playing guitar, too, though I'm not particularly good,
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