One-Up-Manships Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I don't participate,
In one-up-manships.
There is no benefit I see from it.
And what in return does one get?
Another risking of common sense?

I remember as a child,
When it was fun to play the 'dozens'.
Fun to berate a friend's mother.
As something done to irritate...
Understood as a joke to play on another.

Today those games can not be played.
Unless someone is seeking,
To be hurt in a physical way.
Since any one-up-manship persisted...
Will lead a child seeking revenge with a weapon.

To then declare an innocence.
As a defense!
With a self satisfying look,
Of a smugged seriousness!