13.3k views, 2xBest Poetry Period. A nothing from nowhere cast words to a world wide wind. |
Let’s square off You go first Use your words Call me on the phone with three of your friends Corner me and shame me places I live And I’ll respond, “I’m sorry. Do I know you?” With concern, “I’m worried for you. I sense your hands are clenched?” Sit down with me. Let’s talk it out. What’s bothering you?” My version of civility, when I live as public as a frog. Don’t need to pace it off. You have some notions. Let me fill in the blanks for you, so you’ll see why I’ve been poking you. If you don’t dialogue, I have to wonder if you own the guilt and shame. Why can’t you just say something, rather than emote through actions, but no words? I heard it for 17 years, as each faceless one retreated. Some sort of coalition I had sought inclusion. I have regrets, but no forum to speak them. My accusers went to the grave one by one, replaced, superseded one who erred early on, tried contrition, offer a hand, understand the systemic nature of this, an environment that must sustain. Is it not going well? Could it be you are angry at something else. Look. It took me a long time as a whipping boy to get a taste of silence not lashes. Slow as one with no social functions, learned through negation and how to model reaction. But lose myself, dignity, identity? What’s the cause? Secretive. Uh-huh. And I’ve done you wrong, somehow by playing silly games rather than eyes on my own prize when I realize what you’ve taken from me. And if I don’t like it? I’ll sit here and enjoy tea. Repaint your faces, speak falsely. I don’t care. I came to help. I deserve what I get for blind trust. So, square off, talk or back the fuck off. Because, I’ve only just begun learning your game. I model behavior, good and bad. Thanks for the inspiration, I’ll not own your shame. Happy to be out of whatever this is. Not trying to get in the way. I’ve erred somehow, but get off my dick and I’ll stop standing on your porch looking through windows, wonder when you’ll come out. I’m not in hiding. You are. Step out, speak. I’ll listen, I’ll add contrition, if your argument is fair. Some of you have something at stake, won’t speak. I feel you out best. The rest, arrogant indifference. It’s okay. I’ll absolve you all. I said, I don’t care. But, you really need to grow up. School yard stuff. I hate to think how your motivations have hurt others seeking refuge in a false hostel. 10.23.23 I know you read my private stuff. This - is - me - poking - you Take the masks off. You’re afraid. |