David Budbill: "What We Need"

 
                                                      The Emperor,
                                                      his bullies
                                                      and henchmen
                                                      terrorize the world
                                                      every day,

                                                      which is why
                                                      every day

                                                      we need

                                                      a little poem
                                                      of kindness,

                                                      a small song
                                                      of peace

                                                      a brief moment
                                                      of joy.



"What We Need" by David Budbill, from While We've Still Got Feet: New Poems. © Copper Canyon Press, 2005.  

Art credit: "Leaf Fight in Shinjuku," photograph by Ed Jacob. Caption for series of images: "Last weekend, while wandering around in Shinjuku, [Japan], we decided to check out the view from the Tocho Building. Coming down, we came across this autumn festival. I don’t think I’ve ever seen kids having so much fun as they did in this box of leaves."