'Say That Again? ' Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Hey...
Back up!

You are good to suggest,
I am in it for the ego.
That I need that massaged...
To gain a barrage of adulation.

Do you realize how long I've been doing this?
Getting angry looks with frowning lips.
Wishing to assist others with their gifts.
And this has not given me...
An expanded ego to lift.

Folks talk good game about unity.
And how others should support each other,
With their diversity.
But all I've been given is their indignities.
And how they believe...
Receiving such disrespect,
I'm finding it relieves...
The masochistic side of my personality.

Or this accomodates a deep self depravation...
Only when shown,
They then can appreciate!
For gossip purposes...
To spread to say they saw me grieve.

I do not feed on self loathing.

Hey...
Back up!

You are good to suggest,
I am in it for the ego.
That I need that massaged...
To gain a barrage of adulation.

Who in their right mind,
Would put up with such aggravation?
Unless, of course...
They feed on remorse!

'Say that again? '

Unless, of course...
They feed on remorse!

'No...
That part about being in your right mind!
Maybe that is what you should have examined!
Why continue to beat your head against the wall...
If you know no one cares you inflict your own pain!
Have you attempted another approach,
So the folks wont believe you're insane?
Or leave them alone and maintain your peaceful gains? '

What are you saying?

'I have never seen a camel,
Complain of being dehydrated.
Or wishing to have a thirst quenched! '

That makes no sense.

'My point,
Exactly! '