The Struggle
How can finding the right thing to say
Be so simple?
Words drip from their lips
Like flawless pearls
My mouth is full of marbles
The right thing to do
Seems as bright and clear as day
As they move gracefully
And with an inborn ease
While I stammer and stumble with each step
The right thing to wear and the perfect hair
Adorn their elegant bodies
Complimenting style and finesse
Eyebrows delicately raised in response
To my failed attempts at dignity
Did they have mothers
Who were just as refined?
Who taught them manners and propriety
Until it became as natural as breathing?
I cannot help but wonder
If only I had a mother capable of tact
Would I socialize with such
Utter nimbleness?
Intelligent conversation
Sails past my ears
Their words never take a wrong turn
As I struggle not to misspeak
To not interrupt or repeat
Mindless pleasantries surround me
I struggle to maintain a smile
Grateful that they deign
To tolerate my ineptness
At least for a little while
Then I take that inevitable misstep
Exposing my clumsiness
I cringe and shudder
As they cluck their tongues
Gossip behind my broken back
Speak over my bowed… Continue reading




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