Fingers Kept Crossed Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

This may be difficult for you.
And others too.
Viewing life,
Detached and from a comfortable distance.
But...
To understand and comprehend,
How someone feels...
Mentally, physically with emotions felt.
Affecting them 'personally'.
And done to do with few words to say.
Regardless what you and others may assume.
Or perceive a perception should be accepted.
To then disrespect,
Whatever it is another expresses.
Contradicting unsolicited recommendations given.
Heard from you and others too.
Who yet to have had similar experiences.
This continues to create misunderstanding.
And decisions made to acquire and keep,
Unnecessary petty attitudes.

"I 'told' them what they should do.
And you know what they said to me? "

-No.
But I'm willing to bet,
Your reaction was dramatic.-

"Well...
I admit,
I was 'this close' from being appalled.
Anyhow...
They said to me,
I live my life assuming.
And being opinionated.
Can you believe that? "

-You?
Opinionated?
Assuming?
Unable to sit and listen to others?
Isn't that something.
How on Earth could they think that of you.-

"That's what I tried to tell them."

-And then what happened? -

"They just walked away.
Proving to me how rude they can be.
That's the last time I'm giving my opinion.
To anybody."

-Is that a promise or a threat?
I'll keep my fingers crossed,
For both to happen! -