Pretty Pictures and the Virtue of Graffiti

Let them paint pretty pictures:

unicorns and wealth deserved,

hard work and wise investments,

sidewalk slovens

blanketed in cardboard,

stuffed with balled newsprint,

addiction and body odor,

unfortunate poverty earned,

anchors sinking cities.

Let them paint pretty pictures,

grind your teeth and clinch

your fist, and don’t forget

the old stories: mangers,

pharaohs, gifts undeserved,

good news for the poor,

grace. Don’t forget

the spray can in your hand:
abhor what is evil.