by Joan Mazza
Stop arguing with crazy people,
the anti-vaxxers who don’t believe
viruses exist, but believe in the power
of prayer. Don’t try to inform
the stubborn, the disinterested,
and the know-it-alls. You’ll come
off as another arrogant know-it-all.
Never mind your science education.
Give up all hope that people will
take the time to learn the facts
or acknowledge them when they are
presented clearly. They don’t respect
experts and you aren’t an expert.
Don’t name the logical fallacy.
Don’t explain confirmation bias.
Don’t say sampling error,
anecdotal evidence, or placebo
effect. Stop arguing with the dead,
who had no interest in your welfare
when they were alive. Give it up.
Let it go. Any response reinforces
the crazies. Poor souls, they need
attention, even negative attention.
Don’t celebrate All Trolls Day.
Joan Mazza has worked as a microbiologist and psychotherapist, and taught workshops on understanding dreams and nightmares. She is the author of six books, including Dreaming Your Real Self, and her poetry has appeared in Rattle, Valparaiso Poetry Review, Prairie Schooner, Poet Lore, and The Nation. She lives in rural central Virginia.