A Misanthrope on Trial

I confess to the crime of misanthropy
For which I am sentenced to be
Lonely and hateful for the rest
Of my miserable life on Earth.

I found no joy in other humans
Since the time I came out of one.
And every day, week, month and year
Has been spent hiding from that crowd.

The crowd is made up of mad people.
Mad to me because they seem
As alien as cows to turtles.
As strange as God to a toad.

I find so sense, no rhyme or reason
In my “fellow” man or woman.
I’d rather live away, alone, and
Ignored like margins on a page.

So, sentence me for life. I beg you.
There’s no better prize or punishment
For one like myself. Judge and jury,
Do me one kindness: be unkind.



Poetry by Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 32 times
Written on 2025-12-01 at 16:46

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D G Moody The PoetBay support member heart!
I could easily empathise with the persona here, I find myself tolerating others, and could wish for solitude, but then I'd be stuck with myself.
2025-12-02


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
Your powerful poem has some novel metaphors, and after reading it I have to confess that a cursory glance those other humans (present company excepted) are a rough old bunch. But amid the human detritus, if you look, sieve the personalities, I am sure you will find some precious and semi-precious stones worthy of companionship at least. Blessings, Allen
2025-12-01


jim The PoetBay support member heart!
Would not the unkindest punishment be to be forever amid the throng?

I have an uneasy feeling after reading this. It went visceral.

jim
2025-12-01