(In my experiences I’ve
Noticed it often), when after
Thinking you’ve at last arrived, and,
After trusting your insights are original
With keen insight, meaning, and uniqueness,
That you finally chance to reach out to examine
Yourself in the mirror of public perception, only to
Recoil aghast at what you see reflected back…
.
“That’s NOT who I am,” you contend
.
“It’s how society sees you,” the mirror laughs
.
Distraught, you ruffle, fluff, and flounce,
Trying to find a less traumatizing
Angle to view yourself from,
Unsure (now) about how you’re being seen,
Unsure (now) about being accepted,
Unsure about being respected,
Unsure, too, about,
DRAT, damn
Unsure
Now.... In fear,
Desperation, or both, a
Surge of indignation begins ‘rousing
Ways to sublimate the vinegar of perception -
To make the world’s twisted view of you more palatable -
Because (you’ve convinced yourself that) the person
You’re becoming, makes (at least) some sense
To you, so why not to others...
.
P…A…U…S…E…
.
THANKFULLY… a sound mind
Separates from
This ruck and muckle,
From all the social labels,
From the gossip of imbeciles,
From voices whispering hatred,
From all jealous misinterpretations,
From the chains being relevant impute,
From the naysayers relentless stare and blab,
As one clambers, struggling through many
Rigors of the storm in search of hitherto
Unwritten, accurately self-satisfying,
Insights someone else may resonate with
.
While all the while
Clearly understanding
That being the best you can be
Is not a path for the rickety, and that
STRENGTH of CHARACTER is loath to the sapless,
And that sustainable joy is as fickle as Alaskan weather,
(But it still bubbles up when you least expect it)
.
Acquiring slowly,
(In time), the idea that all
Are somewhat sincere in their views,
And that success and acceptance from others
Will fail as primary requisites in the journey,
Because we must have peace within,
There must be lastingness,
There must be gifts,
(Attended to and shared)
There must be daily obedience,
There must be resolve, and focus, and
Clear comprehension of the Creator’s love, and how,
In relationship with Him, an unflagging purpose is given
That rises up and resounds more genuinely (in what you do)
Than the forever unappeasable drivel of mainstream pabulum...
.
richard lloyd cederberg
1/18


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