Loser, stand up. Apologize your way past
the girl and stand in the aisle; you’ll be
getting off first. Careful you don’t stumble on the step
and fall into the street.

Wait for the next bus. Check your pockets
twice for the fare. When the door blows open
get on and drop the transfer. Walk down the aisle and then stop:
she’s there, in the same seat she was in

on the first bus. You sit across from her
and pretend not to notice
that she’s reading the newspaper you left behind,
with its half done crossword and the coupons ripped out.

It’s this way all the way everyday
to the office, to the park, or to the store:
people everywhere show up holding on
to unfinished things you’ve lost.

I am extra sensitive about lots of things these days, from comments that make assumptions without knowing all the facts to righteous self-importance in general. Voice of authority type things.

(It usually means I’ve been guilty of the same sins lately and am feeling it.)

People — any people, including me — get too sure of themselves and create entire sets of pronouncements regarding life, poetry, politics, critical theory, slam, judging…anything, really.

And you ending sounding like an ass. With or without hat.

Nothing is certain. All facts are in question at all times. And you probably have it wrong most of the time.

So…qualify every single freaking “fact” until you know the score, ok?