In the process of life and filling time
We struggle with conflict and reaching our prime
We suck it up big and hold our breath
Talk to Santa Claus and wait for death
We’re quick to point in avoiding blame
As we take the stage and acknowledge fame
Surviving it all to reproduce
Begetting offspring despite the truth
There are games we play in social actions
Stroking our friends and noting reactions
The one who is “It” feels always in debt
The others pretend and show regret
We have Corner and Courtroom and Rigid
And Uproar and Wronged and Frigid
And Child and Parent and Wrongful Pride
And “Just look at me and how hard I’ve tried”
We have “Let’s you and him fight” and Outright Perversion
And Rapo, the Stocking Game and Personal Diversion
There’s “Let’s pull a fast one” and Cavalier
And Wooden Leg and Chandelier
The bottom line in Games We Play
Is conduct and behavior and enjoying the day
It’s procedures and rituals and strokes we give
It’s fantasy and reality and the way we live
It’s doing what works and being on top
It’s robber and cheater and being a cop
It’s transactions and pastimes and other ways
Of gliding through life and avoiding a daze
So in human relations and getting along
Just smile and nod and sing your song
You don’t have to perform a magic trick
Or make others believe you’re really slick
We’re part of a plan to inhabit this world
Keep under control and be calm and unfurled
Passions in check and emotions secure
Conscience aligned and morals pure
For games have rules and guidelines, too
Allow all a mistake or a maybe a few
In your Box of Life you need only one tool
Be nice to others with the Golden Rule
I'm sure glad you're back because I always enjoy your insight. Sometimes I like to whack someone with the Golden Rule, like the bio I just read from some Jesus freak.
Your good humor and straight talk writing is always a pleasure to read.
This is so TRUE. It reminds me of that book, "Games People Play", I actually read it when I was a teenager. If we all could just stick to that Golden Rule, it would be nice.
Richard, "Games We Play" diverges tremendously from your usual poetry that mostly speaks of love. Still, it is interesting as you touch on the climate of social rules toward getting along with others. Glad to see you writing again!
A book-length psychodynamic study of pathological narcissism, relationships
with abusive narcissists, and the Narcissistic Personality Disorder, using a new vocabulary.
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Your good humor and straight talk writing is always a pleasure to read.
Ron