Poem: We talk about the question of plagiarism

We talk about the question of plagiarism

and whether it can be a genuine act
of artistic creation
and not just theft.  I say
it cannot be anything else
in the current system,
with art as commerce, I mean.
That limits the meanings
that are available,
but maybe, outside that,
if it were done
without usurping
the awareness
of what was done.
I do not doubt
anything can be done
with genuine intent,
though it is hard
to imagine it 
when this world
is the one
where I live.

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