I'm Still Here

 

 

                          I lead a life of inner resentment

                          the exterior has a placid smile

                          puppy like

                          I pant for early approval

                          eager to lap up the crumbs

                          accept each pat on the head

                          still the fires rage

                          compressed within a limited frame

                          incineration is always a possibility

 

 

                          The sun rises every morning

                          without my consent

                          leaves from the quaking aspen

                          shiver and shake

                          flirt with a southern breeze

                          a rabbit sits upon the lawn

                          always in profile

                          one eye cocked at me

                          and the brown pelican

                          very considerate

                          greets me daily from the shore

 

 

                          Friends like these

                          may not be the answer

                          but it helps

 

 

 

                                                      Jack Mashman

                                                      1989