I'Ve Been Reading.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

a lot, yes a lot,
i have never stopped reading
that is what they want
they want a mind
a very well read man
with a very sharp mind

for what purpose then?

it is not a sharp mind for sharp mind's sake
you know what i mean

it is a castle with a moat
a parapet with a sharp shooter guard
you know what i mean

what they need is someone they can use
and use so well
for their own ends... a sharp mind
which can shoot like a gun
and shoot rapidly and
accurately
to kill all the enemies of the family

one that can protect this clan
and protect it
so well, and not just that,

but one who can go beyond it

amass other people's wealth
twist arguments in the family's favor

oh yes, i read a lot
and have more knowledge and a deeper understanding

Papa died a long time ago
he lost his fortune and brother says

that i who has a sharper mind than him
shall recover
what we have lost...

and must take revenge
and take what is not ours, oh yes, and go beyond all those
rules
and go around them

and this is where
i surrender, something that i understand so well

and hence
cannot do
what i am being told to do.