thinking about giving in pink ink
about greed and generosity
and community beyond self-interest
having hand-watered the entry garden
this hot spring evening
and taken down the signs
children holding hands, walking forward
into a green, positive future
-- but not on my dime, said the neighbor
so what will become of the neighborhood
that values not sacrifice or service
that values acquisition and politics
and it crops up again and again
in the sound of running sprinklers
despite a forecast of rain
in a lack of lovingkindess
today's children
are shortchanged
awaken neighbor
to the cries outside your window
this hot spring evening