Dammit, boy, you’re safe now
You’ve been safe a long time now
It’s been years
since you’ve suffered the need
to tell people what you’re up to
what you’re reading
what you’re thinking
only to be derided, demeaned
dismissed
(this happened every time it’s as if I’d refused to learn)
or (just as bad)
having to hear how someone
else somehow does everything
more and better
than you do
their suffering
their ecstasy
they were epic
yours was anecdote
“you teach people how to treat you”
“if everyone you meet is an asshole
you’re the asshole
Asshole”
the gasbags
the alpha doggers
the game-players
the loud-mouthed
pushy-shovey
fill-the-room like a
hot fart
types are now one
old man’s stories
told for the amusement
and possible edification
of whoever’s listening
and if they’ve found a
way to take permanent
residence in your head
they don’t necessarily
have to live there
rent-free
put them to work
their derision and dismissals
will be your best coaches
for when you meet their counterparts
who will surely come
when they smell your success
and are thus maddened
by the idea of the happiness
they’re sure came with it.
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