Shared Practice II -- after Hoagland

TSA

after Tony Hoagland's Argentina

Though at first

my country viewed your country with suspicion,

given some of the external similarities

you have with other terrorist nations,

After these many months of unbroken peace,

and as our Intelligence has acquired

a more accurate understanding of your country's political history,

cultural norms, the infrastructure that supports you,

your resources, the character of your executive head,

You were finally removed from our terrorist watch-list

and travel between our two lands was made possible.

When it was found that both of our nations

could benefit from each-other's resources,

trade began, and on its heels a booming hospitality industry.

But – you know you can never be too careful –

We still screened all passengers coming too and fro

Sure, it inhibited travel a teensy bit, and the travelers grumbled,

but, our nation's history shows us

that you should never let your guard down entirely.

But then one day, all of a sudden, all of our TSA agents left.

It's not clear whether they were fired en masse,

or left of their own accord in a union exodus,

but whatever their cause, on July 14^th, they put down their bomb-wands

took off their blue plastic gloves, shut down their scanners,

left their badges at the door, and walked out.

At first the travelers – who by this time were all

going to your nation, since it was found

that there really was no better place to be, were dismayed!

Was it still safe to travel? What ever shall be done?!

For an hour or two they just milled about, lost.

But then they started talking with one another,

and those who had been to your nation told those who had never

about what joy was to be found there, and they decided to take their flights all the same.

In no time at all, the exchange between us picked-up,

and not only that, the flights soon doubled in number.

People had forgotten how wonderful traveling could be!

and, unsullied by pat-downs and baggage-checks,

They arrived on each of our soils happier than ever –

many, in fact, chose to turn their vacation into a permanent move,

a turn of events that has benefited both of our economies tremendously:

Since they both produce for the one, and send profit back to the other.

A happy exchange indeed,

and all because of that one, mysterious day,

when the TSA decided it would be its last.

And if you've done any therapy at all,

I think you'll see the analogy. :)