Benign Neglect Poem by gershon hepner

Small-mindedness is far more painful than benign neglect
which makes misunderstandings easily prevented;
when men are totally ignored they often gain respect
with reputations that, neglected, can't be dented.

And yet most artists seek approval in the garish limelight,
attracting far too much attention in the glare,
and so do I–– although I always get the rhyme right,
it's me they read, not what I write. Now is that fair?


(12/8/99)