Poem: Park Bench in Los Angeles

I think I understand The minds of men Who construct a political system Based on Exploitation, inequality, brutality Prejudice and fear. The tear gas, rubber bullets, truncheon swinging Of the obscenity — Apartheid. I think I understand What made them do it, So I fought it.
Also I think I understand The minds of monsters Who could construct the bombs Which when detonated Shoot miniature plastic arrows Through the tiny, undefended Precious bodies Of children in the "Developing World". I think I understand the underlying reason WHY And Christ, I hate it with my very being.
But I cannot comprehend The clinical, cynical Evil genius Of the architect of misery Who designed the park bench in Los Angeles — Perfectly round, in order That homeless folk May not shelter there. I cannot understand the Lack of reason in that cruel piece of furniture.
Could you please explain — Why, in that land of plenty Poverty is such a crime To be punished in this way? ... Alex Middleton

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From GLW issue 217