Author Archives: jackpelham

I have to quiet my mindIn order to aptly imagineWhat this world would be likeIf everyone wanted only enoughAnd no one wanted more than that.And the difference I calculate is striking.

Is it the especial right of mothersTo kill their babies,Denying that self-same right—And every other—To their own progeny? Is there not more at stakeThan her own wishes? Does not the baby belongAlso to itselfAnd to its fatherAnd—if you can accept … Continue reading →

It was never supposed to be an easy ride. The various states, each with their own quirks and personalities and goals, had agreed to join together, but only for limited purposes—banding together mostly to protect their rights from violators within … Continue reading →

I would not want to liveIn that constant fearOf saying what I think—As if keeping the peaceWere more importantThank keeping the truth. Why should any of usProtect anotherFrom the truth?

I know a man who is himselfToo important to like meBut not too importantTo pretend he does.

Many would rather be wrongThan to be corrected by somebody else.

How have you learned this attitude—This smug presumption that you—As if by definition—Are right about most everythingAnd are the rightful watchdog Over all truth and righteousnessIn the name of God himself?

If you argue long with a fool—And well and true and honorably—You should be prepared To be accused of arrogance.

Does the baby Not also belongTo the fatherAnd to itselfAnd to God?

How can we pass through this generationWithout making its mistakes?