Not To Take Other People Seriously Poem by RIC BASTASA

a father has a child to take care
mothers have fathers
they form a circle of their own
and you who is outside
this circle,

why take them seriously?
when you are an outsider and an outsider is always an outsider

there is no way for you to be there
for as old as humanity
those that belong to them be it chattels,
slaves,
things,
pots, kettles, horns,
sticks, glasses,
dresses, coats and ties
and children
and parents
and grandparents

they always have themselves
and you do not have them
as they do not have you too

so if i were you
and as you consider me a wise man
take time with your journey
enjoy every moment
pick those flowers along the way
whistle
dance
and if you must
plunge into that cool river beside the path
at the foot of the mountain
savor the water
relax
and just be yourself