“Born Yesterday”
by
Tom Clark
The concept of evil, as long ago Symbolized by the devil, has evolved Over centuries into the concept Of men, as delineated by (let's Call her) Naima, Halloween night At Fertile Grounds, where she stood Demurely chatting with Ayman, the handsome Proprietor (think Omar Sharif With soul and twinkle) at closing time, As I poked my ancient nose in and said "Trick or treat." Ayman offered a knuckle Bump solidarity hello—alone there By the counter with lovely young Naima, Who, when I said, What's new, smiled Ever so sweetly and said, "Men are evil!" Feeling it ungracious to disagree I didn't, for a moment. But then— Well, solidarity is solidarity. "What about Ayman?" I said. "Ayman Doesn't look evil to me." Naima Fixed upon Ayman a glance of great Critical probity, smiled and said, "Hmm," A moment passed, pregnant, perhaps With reconsideration. Exceptions Prove rules are basically dumb, And really, that's the trouble, after all, With generalization. And what of love? "Isn't love," I ventured, "a matter of Recognizing someone has flaws And trying to help them limit the damage?" More thought. "Yes, that's exactly what it is," Naima said. And to myself I said, One point for a draw, quit while you're not losing. I fell out the door, squeezing between raindrops. Two ten-year-old girls walked past, one with horns, The other peeping from a full body cast. You forgot your treat, Ayman called out, Holding up a bag of old pastries From the "Born Yesterday" basket.
Biblioklept 