Traumatic Memories Poem by Yoni Dvorkis

You should feel ashamed.
What are you an idiot?
The woman is standing there with a baby crying in her arms.
The train is starting and stopping, rapid, erratic, uncaring.
Get the hell up and give this woman your seat!
God, you'd think that Tufts education would give you even a shred of common sense.
Unbelievable.

You should feel ashamed.
He is your blood.
You don't turn your back on him.
No matter what he says to you, take it lying down.
Like a doormat with too many footprints,
he'd stomp you into the ground so flat you'd barely qualify as human.
Disgusting.

You should feel ashamed.
I am your elder and caretaker.
How DARE you be fresh with me!
(Smack! !)
There, now your shame is made manifest
in a handprint across your cheek.
Do not misbehave.
Deviant.

You should feel ashamed.
A sinful heartless monster.
She was just a little girl. (i was just a little boy)
All for gratification.
God you make me sick.
Perverted.

YOU SHOULD FEEL ASHAMED, BIG TIME
THE VILE HORRIFIC THOUGHTS IN YOUR MIND
I MADE YOU IN MY IMAGE
GO AND TELL THE PEOPLE
GO AND BURN DOWN THE CITIES
GO RAPE AND PILLAGE THE INNOCENT
THIS IS WHO YOU ARE
BECAUSE THIS IS WHO I SAY YOU ARE
IF YOU QUESTION ME EVEN FOR A SECOND
I SWEAR ON MY LIFE GOD WILL STRIKE YOU BLIND
A SINFUL HEARTLESS MONSTER
I MADE YOU IN MY IMAGE
DEATHWORSHIPPER

(ok ok i get it.
but i don't think i should feel ashamed.
because shame is misdirected anger,
and anger is another name for fear,
none of which are even remotely loving)

(so i'll tell you what we're gonna do...
you can all feel ashamed on my behalf.
you carry the overwhelming guilt, the recorded evidence...
i am a sinful heartless monster)

(just keep repeating that to yourselves over and over again,
and leave me the hell alone.
i'll be outside on a long overdue leisurely stroll.
believe me, i could use a breath of fresh air)