To Leave A Rotting Rut Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I alone allowed...
My failures to speak for me out loud.
And would ask and get advice,
Whenever I felt enticed by gloom!

I gave them room to display defeat.
With a hollowness inside that creeped.
As I peeked at success that shied away,
And stared...
From a distance it often teased and glared.

Then I began tripping and slipping on my own faults.
Opening wounds...
To pour my own salt!
Then it became too clear,
I was the one I feared.

I was the one creating my own glum!
Stumbling in suffering habits,
And quick to accuse everyone of being 'dumb'!
I kept myself entwined...
Addicted to my own whines!
Until I kicked myself in the butt,
To leave a rotting rut...
And limitation behind!

'I am fine! ' I say!
Today I say...'I'm okay! I'm fine! '