Poet’s Showcase: ‘E-mail Disclaimer’

To press “Send”
is too easy!

When many words
or any at all
may be too many.

When clarification,
explanation,
or amplification

becomes exoneration,
justification,
or accusation.

Some little window
that says,
“This is about you,
not her or him.”

Or “Tone Check”
blinking red,
urging reflection
reconsideration,
or emendation.

Better a button
saying “Delay”
or “Auto-Deletion”
just for one’s
self-protection!

— Priscilla S. McKinney lives in Lawrence.