Convince Me You Really Want To Win Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I wasn't always this much fun to be around.
I remember the days when I had been,
Opinionated, all knowing, cynical and sarcastic.
And if it had not been for you coming into my life,
I would not have known what it was like...
To be humble, loving and caring.

'Read it again.
And try not to roll your eyes upward on the last line.
You want to make it clear you are sincere.
And tone down on the arrogance.'

I'm not accustomed to having someone else,
Write my speeches.
No one is going to believe I have changed that much.

'Do you want to win the upcoming election or not?
When you win say and do whatever you want.
And remember to look into the audience,
Just before you deliver...
That humble, loving and caring nonsense.'

What about tears?
When should I put the eyedrops in?

'Do NOT use the eyedrops.
What makes you think people will not see you using them? '

I had hoped that the rolling my eyes upward,
Would water them up a little.
Then I would point to the tear dropping down.
So everyone would notice.
Using the eyedrops makes that effort quicker.
Then I wouldn't have to pause,
Before capturing applause with that last line.

'It will just look too faked.
Not sincere at all.
Especially when you had your hands on your hips,
Batting and rolling your eyes.
Just be natural.
Trust me.
Try to be natural about this.
Okay?
Now...
Repeat the speech again.
And this time without your arms folded across your chest.
Or your head tilted to the side.'

I'm not too enthused to use your approach.
Are you sure your method will work?

'People love to be deceived.
What don't you understand?
And...
When you say...
~I wasn't always this much fun to be around.~
Try losing the sigh and twisted lips.
Your admitting this is suppose to be funny.
Read the speech again.
Convince me you really want to win.'