*****

Recorded Reading (2:30): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/npkeauixug0u0phq1gddu/Simply-Be-Me.mp3?rlkey=7nsysx20w7q0e4y3k255us6o7&st=fmmfs9kp&dl=0

*****

Simply Be Me

How will I answer, this day that’s beginning,
When people unreas’nable questions will ask
Who feel need to keep both the score and the inning,
Superior in self-awareness to bask?

When I am called by some friend on the carpet
For making the innocent sport of a joke
Informed that I should definitely now stop it
As if I with malicious purpose had spoke?

What’s my response to unfortunate those
Who with excess ire have naught better do
Than all basest motives in me to suppose
For anything I say, to them or to you?

What of the people who’ll ask me to edit
Pronouncements I’ve offered in sweet good intent
For which I’ll given be much less than no credit
By their denigration’s habitual bent?

Shall I be lowered to obviousness
And opened to equally obv’ious retort ~
Rather than insight with each other bless,
Defences and fences and spurious sport?

Shall I be harnessed to maintaining an
Accurate tally of “rights” and of “wrongs”
Since whenever the relationship first began,
So pettily lower my heavenly songs?

Limit my laughter and dampen my fun
Carefully dressing like everyone else
Make sure by my power more power is won
Providing the taker with whatever sells?

Mouthing the formulas proven to work
Getting me off the proverbial hook
Affirmation and light spirit shirk
Speak only out of whatever small book

Comprises their repertoire — useful it be
To each individual’s sloganized few
Pronouncements, instead of a vocabulary —
They find it conven’ient to offer to you?

This one speaks this language, cannot excuse
Anyone whom any other might be
Willing in conversation put to use,
Intended howeverso constructively

What shall I do? How best to respond?
What most uplifting way may I find be?
I have it! Of this answer I am most fond:
Today — I think I will simply be me

*****

This poet works for the good of her fellowman, seven days a week, and producing ~ if she does say so herself ~ a sterling quality product, too.

She’s in a pretty bad fix right now ~ already homeless, and now the van she lives in has stopped running. Not a hope of fixing it without donations. One ticket is death. Real.

Arts patrons may visit http://www.UgiftABLE.com to make donations of any amount, using code 72D-31S. It will take about two weeks for the poet to be notified of your patronage.

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