What Lessons Can I Promise To Learn? - Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I shy away from advising with advice to give,
To anyone.
I have too many bruises,
From knocking my head up against walls.

I've sat in on too many job interviews,
Bored by those who questioned...
Where would I'd like to be and do,
In years to come I have yet to live.
Or commit myself to a loyalty...
When I know none of it comes to me,
From no one as a guarantee promised to give.

I do my best until I can not do that anymore.
And if someone else is not doing that to achieve,
Who believe to me they can be compared?
What lessons can I promise to learn?
If those in positions to teach are incompetent.

I shy away from advising with advice to give,
To anyone.
I have too many bruises,
From knocking my head up against walls.
What could I say to anyone,
Thinking something I will say will make it for them easy?

Especially when I am inclined to say,
Fall down to your knees and count the cracks on the street.
And repeat it until the bleeding isn't noticed?
How many seeking to be impressed,
Will address my own experiences?