The Canvass

You, skilled at taking
never giving
so long accustomed
to entitlement
of outstretched hand
never any misgivings
no prick of conscience
that others give
so you make take.

You represent the mindset
of the discreet sociopath.
You are neighbour to those
whose generosity enables
You to remain placidly
leech-like.

Giving little value
to those among
whom your parasitic
existence remains
an anomaly in the
greater social compact.

You, what have you
to say in your defence?
Ah, you say, none required
in a free, egalitarian
caring society.

c. 2009 Rita Rosenfeld