By Linda Gewerths

Don’t pollute me 

with vanity and arrogance 

Don’t let me be corrupted 

by a mind that is small 

Prohibit me from animosity and irreverence 

Keep me out of a society 

that knows no concern for my well-being at all 

Leave me out of the gossip, the mockery and the spite 

I want no part of a culture 

that holds no regard for the prosperity of human life 

Please don’t invite me 

To your imposturous parade 

Because why would I want anything to do 

With people 

that are so inconceivably 

afraid