As I sat in car at downtown curb,
I wondered with what title I’d disturb ….
the readers of this poem.
I glanced into the rear-view mirror,
and what do you think did appear?
A man in a checkered shirt.
I don’t believe I’ve ever met the man.
I don’t know if he’s a Mark, Tom, or Stan.
But I see he is quite young.
His hair on head is dark and short.
I wonder “Does he play a sport? ”
I’ll likely never know.
Is he married or is he single?
Is he a loner or does he mingle?
I’ll likely never know.
His sleeves are short, he wears no hat.
He looks neat, well-shaved, and kind of fat.
These could be some clues?
It’s cool and breezy, and clouded over.
I think he’s a local native, not a rover.
Of this I’m somewhat sure.
BUT, looks may not help me discover …….
what’s he’s ABOUT inside his “cover”.
I mean he could be student OR teacher,
architect, barber, OR church preacher.
He could be unemployed OR “filthy rich”,
live in a mansion, OR in a tent which he does pitch.
He may speak English, French, OR be a mute.
He may walk to work OR by bus commute.
He may be happy, sad, OR in between.
He may be super-macho (like me) OR a drag queen ….
[at times].
He may be nice, he may be mean, OR, ….
like I said above, he may be in between.
He might eat red meat at least once a day,
OR he might live his life the vegan way.
He may pray to God OR pray to the Devil,
OR eschew “those things”, and just in Nature revel.
He may be called a genius OR called “stupid”.
He may have a 'Love' OR fend off Cupid.
So, you see, “looks” show what’s on one’s surface,
but to reveal the “whole person” ….… “looks” may serve NO purpose.
(May 22, 2015)
I like the way your brain works and figures things out. I totally agree with all your thoughts here, Bri.
More than a poem, it is a lesson, in my vie, Bri. We, very often waste our precious time looking in to unwanted things in others' lives, whereas, what should have been looked in to remains unnoticed even. There is a deep meaning in the poem. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks very much.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This is a splendid write Bri. Seeing the image of a man in the rear view mirror of your car.... what all interesting surmises and assumptions you have made and the conclusion at the end is superb! Yes 'looks' are not enough to judge a person. Beneath the facade of external appearance, lies at the inside, the real man! A well deserved 10