A MATCH

by Anne Reiner

 

What does one 

give for a 250th anniversary?

 

The first gift was easy—

a declaration on paper.

 

We used to be a nation

who gathered

 

in pews, in booths,

on steps, on roofs.

 

But the pulpit has a party line,

and the diner is turning tables.

 

Now, a diamond can be manufactured. 

After 250 years,

 

how does one

celebrate freedom?

 

With a cage.

Cartoon by Ann Telnaes

Anne Reiner is a writer and biostatistician based in NYC.

VENGEANCE BELONGS TO WHOM?

by Anne Reiner

Cartoon by Ann Telnaes

 

The defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, prayed during a religious service at the Pentagon that there be “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy”. —The Guardian, March 26, 2026

 

 

Unlock the doors to Church of Pete.
We baptize you in gasoline,
shove beggars out onto the street,
bless with a gesture that’s obscene.
 
We humbly pray for arrogance,
demand your silence with our shouts.
Abuse is our benevolence.
Grant certainty upon your doubts.
 
We kneel to praise him at the helm,
ignoring scripture’s holy facts.
And as he asked, we overwhelm
with violence as we give the axe.
 
 
Anne Reiner is a writer and biostatistician based in NYC.