Ballad of the Family Values

Love threw a party with her new money.

Trust me, Envy said, this cost a pretty penny.

Anger said he didn’t bring shit.

And Patience made a place-card of the invite.

Joy danced, Greed ate and Sloth drank,

Though all kept an eye on the door as ranks

Of wall-flower values, the lesser swells,

Crowded in and slumped in chairs along the walls.

Foolishness said shit a fool is always saying.

Pride realized someone else was paying.

Hate came all alone.

(Why does Hate always pick up the phone?)

The Hope sisters – Little and False –

Dangled their punch-cups, awaiting a waltz,

A fine thoracic strum, an easy measure,

A slow twirl for their late feet, no censure.

Blame said, You’ve been the same since the get-go.

So Faith said, If you want to hold me, let go.

Pain walked to and fro muttering to itself.

And Love was everywhere, on the dole, off the shelf.