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.
.
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Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: December 2nd, 2025 05:36
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 3
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship
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Comments1
Well written, my friend, the poem explores the concept of "benign malfeasance," suggesting that actions intended to be harmless can still lead to damaging or unethical outcomes. It critiques the bureaucratic and societal systems that allow for harm to be masked by politeness, legality, and superficial kindness.
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