The Times are Ugly and Dangerous

The times are ugly and dangerous.
Disagreement is a capital offense.
Strolling on official grass is punishable by exile.

Opposing genocide will get you busted.
As will the wrong tone of voice
And the profligate use of your library card.

Learn to follow yourself home in the dark.
Hang onto your name.
The air is full of knives.

Buff Whitman-Bradley’s newest book is A Friendly Little Tavern Somewhere Near the Pleiades from Finishing Line Press. Read other articles by Buff.