You’d think by now I’d know
better (or maybe not,
who can really say?)
because even though
I’d like to pretend I’m better than most
that’s clearly not the case.
And if forced to face
some basic facts
of our shared existence
it’s true how most things
that make you laugh
or set your temples aflame
with anger
are pretty much the same
as my unspoken list
of dos and don’ts,
likes and dislikes
(and all the rest of it).
So let’s put this myth to bed
one final time (shall we?)
as I must admit
I’m just as human as you —
flawed and false and filled
to the brim
with silly nonsense
we’re always too afraid to confess
to another soul
even when curtains
are closed
and a stranger waits
mere inches behind the screen
taking mental notes
and passing along our vain apologies
to a father we’ve supposedly
never met.
