Eight: Enemies (poetry series)

Enemies

The way I fall in step is oldest news

But don’t ask me, the goods I got, it’s on authority

I could quote you the bible…or, how bout?

Tell you this, a little fairy story

I know you’re after sympathy, they all are

But listen to me

You don’t have to be so low on the totem pole

Come on…I’m not too close? You don’t mind a little friendly

Touch…? Enemies. Okay…yeah.

Don’t rush me. What you wanna know?

Never mind, I’m telling you.

It’s how the troublemaker gets in the door

They say you don’t smile and be friendly

You make your little jokes, the way for some folks

Life’s a struggle, wouldn’t occur to you

Absolutely. No, am I on their side? You got it right

They don’t do anything but envy you

They try to make it all your fault

They’re cleaning up your messes in the background

I never said you could fix anything, you probably can’t

But, see, that’s the game, that’s the setup

But meanwhile, you should be a little grateful

No, you’re right, you got it, there’s no reward for trying to help

I have three enemies to clue you, and then I’ll mosey

She is, you know, her, lucky

Lucky people get more than they ought

You wanna say there’s only so much to go around

So if you don’t got yours, who does? Fill in the blanks

Now, look out for the guy who needs a favor up front

You wanna be second banana all your life, agree to that

So third one makes you think you got a problem

Shoots a look at you when you’re doing nothing

You feel cheated and mad at all your friends when he walks away

Oh, and, that’s all. See ya later.

Enemies

Righteousness

Honor

(2019, Stephanie Foster)