I mistook myself for another man
Or perhaps another man for me
The friend of a friend apparently
A friend of this friend I presumed to be
Words of tribute intended for him
I took for myself, yes—I know, foolishly
Arrogance, envy, both sins mortally
Devised my own lesson in humility.
So I closed back the door, discreetly I thought
Ashamed of myself, I tiptoed away
Not fast enough, dammit, her voice comes my way
You're a bungling oaf, but you're welcome to stay.
This friend of a friend has given me leave
The friend—not her friend─I hope you can see
The one that I thought mistook him for me
Was not mistaken my taking his identity.
But if it means in the end that his friend
is now a friend to the end in possibility
I think it well worth the dose of humility
To be blessed by a case of serendipity.
You are so clever, a most wonderful poem :) How can one not be friends with one who admits their vanity got the best of them and if it wasn't for that self confidence the friendship might not have sprung.++++++++++++++10
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
It takes a steady hand on the reins to weave such a fantastic poem through this delightfully meaningful maze. And this reader found it well worth staying in the saddle to the very last line. Excellent.10 +++++++++++++++++++
Dear Susan, I would never doubt your ability to stay in the saddle! And I am so glad you found this poem entertaining. It was fun to write. I'm more of a fan of blank, non-rhyming verse, because I am not good enough to say precisely what I want to say and still maintain the integrity of meter and meaningful rhyme. But i do enjoy playing with sounds and rhymes, and this one kind of fell into that. It was fun to write, but even more so when someone shares the fun. thanks always for your gracious thoughts! NB