Either Way Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I am dedicated to producing,
The best work I can.
And excuses to make not to do this,
To leave mediocrity for someone else...
With a belief what I've done,
Represents my interest I approve...
To be left accepted,
Will only expose how I feel about myself.

And to do that to be expected,
By others...
Is not the reason I make every attempt,
To silence critics prepared to diminish...
My efforts to endeavor as nonsense.

Yet,
Either way...
I find myself more motivated,
Whatever the comments of me are being made.
Ridiculous with intention or not.

'So...
No one really knows,
What your best of an effort to make is? '

Hmmm.
You are right.
Since 'my' interpretation of medicority,
May leave them with belief...
I have produced my best endeavor,
That seeks their critique.
I like that.
Thank you.

'But in all fairness,
What are your feelings about mediocrity? '

The same.

'Meaning...? '

They will remain unchanged.
Boring is a life lived without a bit of controversy.
And controversy is what critics enjoy.
Am I not correct?

'How can you say this to know that? '

I have been dedicated to listening.
With a developed comprehension....
That has assisted my efforts to endeavor,
My understanding of what mediocrity is,
For many years.
But never have I been gifted with such clarity.

'By who? '

You.
Didn't you hear me thank you,
For your assessment?