When I was a young boy I was angry,
belligerent, very hot-tempered, flash-in-pan,
the typical angry young man.

Over the years, I like to think, I’ve mellowed
like fine wine. But of course, this is ego talking
and I like the sound of the line.

I would cotton to the description,
”cantankerous old man”.

No one says that to you face, they just tip toe around.

OK, let’s list.

1. Pompous, inflated, definitely conceited, a real pain in the ass.
2. Judgmental, but knows, everyone sees everyone else as they see themselves. Did I say that right? Don’t you agree?
3. Dishonest, I mean, cut me a break, doesn’t everyone lie?
4. Envious. Can’t help it. I know what I see.
5. Needy. OK, there, I’ve said it.

I don’t think we need to go on.
I say what I please now,
I do what I please.
The day is getting late.
I’ve realized that my anger stemmed
from a deep, deep place,
where I bury my fears,
my shame of having been caught shop lifting once.

I didn’t conquer them, my shame, my fears, they simply disappeared,
along with the things I wanted.

I wake up earlier and earlier,
eager to write you this.