“Stupid” versus “Criminal”
by Ann Grogan / May 24th, 2026
Inspired by The Basic Law of Human Stupidity by Carlos M. Cipolla (1922-2000), an Italian, who taught economics at the University of California, Berkeley
Not intending to preach,
as I’m sure that you know,
only intending on you
a few laughs to bestow.
I don’t know about you
but clearly for me,
Cipolla’s definition of stupid
sure causes glee:
“Stupid” hurts others
but at the same time
has no benefit to “stupid,”
no reason or rhyme.
At least criminals have
the chutzpah to steal
and derive a benefit–
now that’s the real deal!
So for “stupid” they deserve
just what they get,
but criminals have
my nod of respect.
Ann Grogan is a joyful octogenarian, piano player, and retired lawyer living in San Francisco, CA. Her writing promotes the unequivocal permission to pursue one’s passions at any age. Her poems have appeared in
Dissent Voice, Querencia, Amethyst Review, The Prairie Review, New Verse News, and
Writers Resist, among others
. She was named a semifinalist for
The Writing Salon’s 2025 Jane Underwood Poetry Prize and for
Leftie Blondie’s chapbook competition. Find her at
rhapsodydmb.com.
Read other articles by Ann, or
visit Ann's website.
This article was posted on Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 8:00am and is filed under Poetry.
