Bell and Whistle

Paper Tiger

I have not lived an exemplary life.
I'll spare you specifics. Suffice it
To say that I should have been
Kinder. I should have been bold.
I should not have spent so much
More than I made. A lifelong
Nonentity, what can I say in
Defense of my selfish decision
To live? I'm not very cruel
Or boastful. I don't think that
I've been a bother to people
I know. I've raised four fine
Children and fixed lots of meals,
And done laundry, bought
Groceries, and patiently
Listened to those who were
Desperate for someone to hear.
I've written some poems. Some
May be exemplary, more so,
I hope, than my life.


Blessed

I fall, like Saint Paul, stricken.
My love again has smiled at me.
The months of her averted gaze,
Her absence and her cool regard,
As if she saw me as some useless
Object, something in her way,
Are they now past? I cannot
Know. I'll rise and go about
My business, plodding on the
Road to not Damascus, but
The discount store, wobbly,
Hoping that she'll reappear
To strike me down.



Poetry by Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 51 times
Written on 2016-10-17 at 10:31

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