Alterity ~ Wednesday, March 11, 2026

People try to converse with me, to talk
essentially, about things, I say less
of course, they know nothing about my life
politely, I try to play nice, to walk
literally away, or sit alone
ever always alone, this world, I bless

talent wasted on fools, on my ex-wife
remember, long ago, in love, we fell
yet, the institution, marriage, a stone

talk to the albatross around my neck
obviously, the ancient mariner

callous, heartless monster, full of bad luck
obsequious monsters, a foreigner
negligible, a hand for dogs to smell
vanquished, born under a bad sign, the blues
every mistake possible, compliments
reflect the opinions of a stranger
say less, entitled and privileged, I lose
each time I meet someone I do not know

willow branches appear to weep, nonsense
inside the mind we share, a hive, danger
thoughts hover, a wasp nest, evil, a test
haunted by awareness, the picture show

mention how good it looks, before not good
every time, bite my tongue, say less, no more

trouble makes friends blindly, caution, wet wood
on the fire, too much smoke in the store

turn over a new leaf, I need to rest
ask me about the past, compared to now
leave me alone, I will not care, but stalk
killers of bees, please, do not have a cow