A Program Component Poem by RIC BASTASA

part of the program component
is the fear that they install
on incoming viruses

what do you do? take the fear
and savor the virus and sit on the
easy chair, wiggle, wobble, like
another unknown planet

stare at the monitor as though
it is a bird that cannot take flight
with your mind

it will stare back
but you are no longer moved with pity

fear is an important part of this program
fly with it
have a tour on its contours
and when you come back
tell me the story of fear in wonderland
show me that Cheshire grin
be the mad hatter
with the etiquette of the
Red Queen

this is senseless
yet why did you finish it?