Not Listening Or Paying Attention Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Put a smile on your face.
Take your food stamps and fixed income.
And be happy you have shelter...
In a warm and safe comfortable place!

Those who looked upon you,
With turned up noses just last year...
Wish they were in your shoes,
Right now.
There is not a hint of a grin on those who ache.
Exposing frowns traced with bitterness and disgrace.

Take my advice,
And be thankful you are blessed.
Be grateful you are not like the rest,
Who are experiencing financial and emotional ruin.
Weighing heavy on their shoulders and reflecting stress.

'What kind of 'reading' is that?
You said you were a psychic! '

I most certainly did not!
Once again...
You have misunderstood me.
I said you need to stop your sighing!
Because the sight of you and hearing it,
Makes me sick!

However,
I must admit this...
Not listening or paying attention,
Has produced for you a benefit!
The others will claim they've done the opposite.
And look where they are...
Tied in knots and expressing mental anguish.