pioneers and practitioners of

artistic expression

in overwhelming proportion

understand that human condition.

maybe not the mechanics of it all

--the leg bone 

to the knew bone

to the thigh bone--

but the tableau of behavior.

how it builds upon itself to create

a matchless masterpiece through 

paint strokes of the Beholder and of 

people and of

environment.

creatives know how malleable 

the clay of hearts and minds is,

and this is why art

historically

is the prized possession 

of humankin.

that is why art

is weaponized.

pay no mind to the title

of this regime,

subtle disruption of the psyche 

and coaxing of the collective mind

into one state sanctioned perception

is the aim

and artistry of the gun.

that hallowed malleability of heart and mind,

so sacred to artisans 

is used against the people.

the state finds its own brush and adds its own strokes

and creates whatever picture 

it wants to; changes the 

Beholder

and the people

and environment.

and then any can become the enemy.

lest we forget

the devil was once an angel.