Nonprofit

(after E. E. Cummings)

since funding is first
who gives any attention
to the substance of things
is never going to pay you;

wholly to be a tool
while grants are in the world

the boss approves;
donations are a better fate
than virtue

Somehow, my idea of a kid picking up a small plastic grocery bag of neighborhood litter proceeded to a $10,000 anonymous donation and a fulfilling volunteer occupation. Incidentally, I didn’t work this hard at any of my paid positions throughout my “real” working life.

An interview with Jeff Perkins