Benign malfeasance—
a clerk’s smile at the counter,
forms stamped in triplicate,
the theft already filed away.
Benignly malfeasant—
the handshake that
seals a bargain of loss,
harm notarized in blue ink.
The benignity of malfeasance—
a phrase spoken in committee,
grave courtesy masking
floorboards quietly sold.
Malfeasance, benign on paper—
accounts balanced
by subtracting the poor,
kindness measured in fines.
Malfeasance benignified—
a pageant of loopholes,
the judge applauds,
the thief wears a sash.
Benign malfeasance,
malfeasant benignity,
mal‑benign‑feasance—
syllables stumble,
the mask splits,
the phrase devours itself.
And then the phrase signs your name.
.