in concert...

We recognize villains on stage - why not so in life?

Pay Shylock his pound

of flesh, give Richard his horse,

let Juliet love anew.

Let go of the ghost - 

Shakespeare’s doomed heroes

- pronounce them all dead.

Fight no more battles,

release strings so puppets 

finish their dance.

Dismiss the actors,

set horses to pasture,

lower the curtains.

Ever-refreshed

villainy, once banished,

has taken new stage.

Human suffering, 

in concert - you won't miss it

- it comes to you.

Author's Note

all comments welcome