Poem: Follow the Money

Seems the threads of understanding are tied to following the money trail.

Follow the Money If you want to find an answer     to Medicare,     or the Internet,     why homeless occupy our streets,     the neighbor leaves his grass un-mowed,     tomatoes have no flavor,     universities are out of reach,     dogs run loose,     terrorists terrorize     and we are all so confused Then follow the money I talk with friends in endless     circular conversations,     listening to this or that     opinion     on how and where we’ve gone wrong Intellectualizing, the mental equal     of putting out the dog But never once have I heard suggested     the closing of computers     and shoving back of educated chairs,     to simply follow the money We choke on the heavy breath of cash,     in cities jammed with cars,     suburbs slammed by drugs,     prisons crammed with kids     and hope for something to be done A hound, following the wrong scent There could be profits in clean air     and drug free youth and education Compounding interest, renegotiating,     learning to lead with the money,     in the place of being forever led astray

This poem is included in Jim Freeman's poetry collection BROKEN PIECES available here in print or as an e-Book in your favorite formats.