Paradox Point

           Local Optimism    

Here is a transcript of the infamous birthday poem that Donald Trump gave to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50 th birthday:                       In poetic terms, I like this. It is witty, charming, discreet yet explicit, and cryptic yet transparent. Too bad Trump used his rhetorical powers for evil rather than for good. The two certainly share a secret, and the naked-woman outline tells the rest.           The letter shows, by its contrast with the present, how much Trump’s talent and mind have deteriorated.           I shall steal and modify the last line for my own purposes, by replacing secrets (which are for domination) with surprises (which are for delight). Therefore I say to you, dear reader: May every day be another wonderful surprise. Surprises such as our reading this letter, even tho...

          Death Loves Uncle Sam             Scene: a park bench. UNCLE SAM sits, waiting. DEATH walks up and sits at the other end of the bench.   Death: … hi… Uncle Sam:   You! Death: … yes, me… Uncle Sam: It was you who left all those notes! Death (nodding): ‘… from your secret admirer…’ Uncle Sam: And those bouquets of withered roses! Death: … yes… Uncle Sam: And that candy box! With a dozen decapitated mice! Death: … you remember… Uncle Sam: I’ll never forget! Death: … it’s the thought that counts… Uncle Sam: And now you’ve called me here and shown me who you are. Why? Death: … fear not… Uncle Sam: I am not afraid of you! Death: … i know… that’s what attracts me to you… but i am not here on business… my reasons are personal… Uncle Sam: What do you want? Death: … to confess… Uncle Sam: Confess what? Death: … my love… Uncle Sam: For...

Earth Hymn To the tune of Gustav Holtz’s “Thaxter Hymn”:   Gorgeous orb of brown and green and blue and white, a shining pearl. Now I’ve seen just where I’ve always been My home, my life, my world.                

Crime Does Not Pay     Oh, crime does not pay Not one single time ‘Cause when it does pay Then who calls it crime?