litter
Splotches on sacred ground / a passing vehicle / tossed out a window / accidentally dropped by a walker / it doesn’t belong / put it on your dresser, kitchen table, bathroom cabinet / it dishonors our ultimate Mother, with a capitol M – our planet / It is disrespect / Intrudes on what we ought to see, namely beautiful, uninterrupted landscape / it desecrates / where is there a cigarette butt-free place? / the punishment? / nothing / litter piles up under signs that say $100 fine for littering./ the sign doesn’t care / will the girl scouts will solve this problem? / no, they know better / who picks up our litter? / Minimum security county prisoners out on Sunrise Highway with orange bags and pointed sticks? / It’s a form of low grade terrorism / “Let the goats eat it” He says when I confront him / all litter is my litter / garbage, crap / call it what you will / I call it shit!
Litter is too nice a word / look at that…it’s such a shame…why do people do that?” aha, I’ve got one; they just threw a Wendy’s bag out the window. I’m going after them / I shout YOU LITTERED STOP PICK IT UP STOP YOU IDIOT. / he speeds away and I get me a middle- finger / fast forward
technology comes to the rescue / in each cigarette a hidden microchip to trace butt flippers / the Marlboro box warns: DO NOT BUTT FLIP – A FINE/COMMUNITY SERVICE/ JAIL TIME FOR OFFENDERS. – that’s bull shit he mumbles and flips his butt / a minute later, a litter patrol officer confronts him / he knows the time, the name has a photo/and genetic information that proves beyond the shadow of a doubt / a positive identification / a butt flipper has been apprehended / citation issued / appear before the judge / “You are charged with butt flicking” this crime carries a punishment of 40 hours of community service bending over picking up litter or a $350 fine” / we have uncontestable evidence, how do you plead? Guilty or not guilty? “but but but Judge, It was only an itty, bitty cigarette butt.” / if you plead not guilty, you either hire a lawyer or we appoint a lawyer, fee $1,000. How do you plead?” “Guilty” / since this is you first offence, I sentence you to 25 hours of community service.”
“I suggest you quit smoking.” See the clerk. Next