Charity

Faraway places, stay far away.
Faraway broken people,
stay there too;

I really enjoy your landscapes,
but your blood and ruin are another story.
Glad you are at a little distance.

Of course I care what happens;
I care the way a Christian cares
for Caesar — as is necessary.

That hardcore Jesus stuff sounds good,
but doesn’t hold much water
or wine for that matter these days.

I appreciate that an earthquake, a flood,
a war, whatever, is a problem for you.
It’s a heck of spectacle for me, too,

and of course I feel a little something. Well,
of course I do.  I’m insulted that you’d say
otherwise.  Take my money and then

expect follow-up — how hat-in-hand
of you.  How Third World, how
you people of you.   You ought to know

that love’s convenient for as long as
it’s convenient, then it’s
a pain in the ass, and disposable;

if you’re ever going to be
First World,
you’d better learn that.