poem
Volume 34, Number 4

The Importance of Names

          Evolution made us
smart enough to invent
algorithms.
Not close to smart enough
to give ideas names
that tell the truth.

          Anti-abortionists
say they are pro-life,
but they are not.
Why do Freedom Fighters
want to take my freedom
away from me?

I wonder how Proud Boys
feel about Pride Day;
or anything.
Maybe they don’t feel
anything; not ever.
Not love, nor hate.

We live in a world
in which a woman’s body,
must be controlled
by fundamentalists
who shrug off mass murder
while praying.

And who stand to wish each
other “Peace be with you,”
hug and shake hands.
Why isn’t there a name
for children killed with guns
In their schools?


—Stephen Latin-Kasper