Alas, this is one of the saddest pieces I've written. It's undercurrent is insecurity--not the good kind that leads us to self-protection, but the destructive kind--that which leads us to hurt others. The goal of this piece is not to express anger, but instead invoke pity...I've known too many types like this who keep pushing the envelope, and pushing it, until they finally push it over the edge...

I can backstab all
And smile at church on Sunday.
It’s a wonderful two-faced life
As I demonstrate on Monday.

I appear to work so hard
To help the needy and poor
I show the sainted human
While my actions reveal no more

Than the creed I truly live by
Which is more like ‘anything goes’
I suck up to the bosses
Work hard to please all those

Who I think have power.

Power is defined as “What can you do for me?”

Don’t promote THEM I say
When I can’t pay my mortgage
Any excuse will do
To eliminate a gorgeous

Or talented human being.
God understands this, right?
Life’s always been a struggle.
One has got to fight--

And spy and lie and cheat--
To keep a real ‘good’ job.
My family’s getting jealous
And have joined in with the mob

That threatens to expose me.

I must control others to win.

But they will not prevail
I’ll murder before that!
All my paranoia
Feeds fondly off my ‘Vette.

I’m not a real bad person
I respond to facts of life
My religion keeps me sane
But won’t protect from strife…

So, victims prayers scare me
’Cause I know the end result
Those I wrongly conquered
I one day will confront

Along with my true God.

Did I mention that I am also a tireless spokesperson for those who are no threat to me?