I Was There Myself Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I wish I could find the right words to say,
Why your mind and my time...
Are not going to be close friends.

I wish I could say this to you,
Without you becoming upset.
I am a lot older in many ways.
And in those ways you do not respect.

My tolerance you accept,
As an approval of your nonsense.
I am just more patient.
And have more than you will ever know.

My willingness to listen,
To your petty conversations...
Is a hope you will comprehend,
Just how small you make that world you live in.

My suggestions that you live and let live,
With a letting go...
Comes from experience.
Not because I believe there is so much I know.

Your mind is limited and fixed in stubbornness.
Then to me you complain,
About your attempts to convince...
With an acknowledgement foreign to common sense.

And to learn one has to listen.
But your issues and insecurities,
Are excuses you use as a defense.
I was there myself!
That is why you are so obvious.

I wish I could find the right words to say,
Why your mind and my time...
Are not going to be close friends.

I wish I could say this to you,
Without you becoming upset.
I am a lot older in many ways.
And in those ways you do not respect.