a new world

two very quiet
and nice
Asian women knock on
your door, politely
asking if you are the owner
of this house.
yes, you say. we are
not asking for donations
the taller one says,
but if you'd like to,
we will accept one from you.
tax deductible, the other
one says.
they hand you a brochure
about the new world
coming.
a one world government
that will bring
peace and prosperity
to everyone.
they are wearing light
blue dresses
with thick nun like shoes.
each has a satchel
of brochures. you notice
a pack of mints
in one of the satchels.
you ask if you can have
a mint, they look at
one another, surprised,
then back at you.
no, they say. those are
our mints. but what
about this new world.
won't everyone get a mint?
no, you have to get
your own mints.
so this world will be a
selfish world, you say,
hands on your hips. a world
where there is no charity
or compassion.
you broaden your shoulders
and stand straight up.
they look at one another.
okay, okay, they say.
you can have one mint,
but don't tell anyone.
the smaller one digs into
the bag and places
a small wrapped mint
into your outstretched
hand. happy, she says?