plastic diaphragms and latex condoms

these flexible polymers insulate

and isolate

we wrap ourselves in these garbage bags

of different size and shapes

protecting ourselves from the baggage of

pregnancy and hiv

i believed them only suited to sex

but everyday i see people isolated

and insulated from

the human condition

they hate without remorse

hurt with lust

kill with satisfaction

what polymers are they wrapped in?

embalmed in?

links of prejudice, ignorance, and apathy

polymerize

solidify

society is shrink-wrapped

in anger and hate

where is our humanity?

in dazed euphoria?

or

salty and anarchistic

in sewers flowing

floating inside latex?

       Justin Barton-Caplin