MONEY MADDERS: Some thoughts about fiscal psychosis

	money is a language
	wuth a streinge vucabulary
	as coins click 'n computer screams
	kalculate digital blips
	the weirdest thangs becum possible
	if cents muttar more thyn sanse.

	money is a kuntrulled substance
	whach makes people believe
	averything haz a prace tag
	which kun be exchanged in a blink.

	muney is a manure
	which works best whun well-spread
	'n exposed ta sunlight
	rathur than rottin' in bank vaults
	az za mutant blight

	Kun we transcend owa fiscal lust
	'n accept udders with kompassion 'n trust?

	Err must we kalculate every action we undertake
	as if money were the sole yardstick
	koncernin' whad ta destroy err kreate?

   The espresso machine hissed like an irritated animal, its polished steel throwing a harsh glare
across Terri’s face. The light carved deep shadows beneath her eyes, giving her latest tirade
the appearance of a manifesto delivered from a very expensive interrogation room. "Most adults
don’t understand how money works," she declared. Her manicured fingers marched across the
formica table, one tap per syllable. "They lack financial intelligence."

   Ted gave a short, contemptuous laugh. He swirled the last of his affogato al caffè, watching the
melting ice cream disappear into the espresso as though witnessing a small financial collapse.
"I understand how capitalism works," he said, looking up with a crooked smile. "I’m not
convinced that capitalism itself is particularly intelligent." Terri frowned. Ted took another
sip. "Most things on this planet," he continued, "are governed by stupidity rather than
intelligence. Intelligence merely writes the press releases afterward."

   Kris raised both hands before Terri could launch her next argument. "To me, money is a neutral
commodity," she said. Her voice was calm, almost soothing. "It depends on how you use it. Money
itself isn't good or bad."

   "Hogwash!" Tim’s voice cracked across the café, startling the room into absolute silence.
Everyone at the neighboring tables briefly turned toward them. Even the barista paused, one hand
nervously resting on his espresso machine. Tim grinned at Kris. He enjoyed irritating her,
particularly when he do so while pretending to be philosophical. "Nothing in this world is
neutral," he said, suddenly adopting the solemn expression of a professor . "Every choice has
consequences. Those consequences benefit some people and disadvantage others." Tim leaned
forward towards Kris. "You may not see the consequences. You may not understand them. You may
even congratulate yourself for being completely unaware of them." He paused. "But that doesn't
make them disappear."

   Kris folded her arms, then asked, "So do you think money is evil?"

   "No," Tim replied. "Money is useful."

   "Then what exactly is your point?"

   "My point is that usefulness and neutrality aren't the same thing."


> NOTE: This piece was partially generated with AI tools; human editing was then applied. 

=================================================================================
from _AmeriSong: Poetry, Art, & Dialogs about Amerika_ by T Newfields
LONG SUMMARY: An exploration of the ethics of money through an introductory poem and a café debate.
SHORT SUMMARY: Thoughts about money, ethics, and power.
KEYWORDS: monetary metaphors, fiscal tropes, monetary mania, pecuniary psychosis, money madness,
capitalism, neutrality, financial ethics, economic philosophies, fiscal consciousness

Author: T Newfields [Nitta Hirou / Huáng Yuèwǔ] (b. 1955)
Begun: 1999 in Taoyuan, Taiwan / Finished: 2026 in Shizuoka, Japan
Creative Commons License: Attribution. {{CC-BY-4.0}} Granted

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TRANSLATIONS

DEUTSCH   https://www.tnewfields.info/de/geld.htm
ESPAÑOL   https://www.tnewfields.info/es/cuestiones.htm
NIHONGO   https://www.tnewfields.info/jp/kinsen.htm
ZHŌNGWÉN  https://www.tnewfields.info/zh/jinqian.htm