Meaningless Gestures

    They complained because I don't tell them "good morning". I just don't think it's necessary. I feel the same way about ritualistic prayers. Before any meeting and after any meeting, they always have a prayer. "Would someone like to pray us in/out" is always asked at the beginning and ending of meetings. Someone starts, and then everyone says the prayer.  None of this seems sincere. People long ago memorized the Serenity and Lord's Prayer and recite them by rote, the same way they say good morning. It means nothing. "(I wish you a) good morning" is like a  military salute, I suppose, a gesture meant to show acknowledgment and respect. Like taking your hat off when you enter a building, or before saying a prayer. These are meaningless gestures, akin to virtue signaling. Why is it necessary to acknowledge people when you first see them in the morning? 

I am an Island

You do no speak, you babble on and on. Your words are dull, lifeless, and worth nothing. Everything that comes out your maw is a copy of words you heard from someone else, but you think it's original. So please, don't tell me what time of day it is, don't advise me on the future, don't tell me good morning, just go away and leave me alone. 

You say I need others. For what? I do not care to engage in vapid conversations with fools. I do not need life advice from a "mentor" or a "sponsor"; all I need to know I can read in a book or watch in a film, and I know how to sift through the garbage for pearls of wisdom. Also, you say I need others to make sure I stay on the path, people who will hold me accountable and "call me out on my bullshit", but I have developed a very strong sense of self-honesty and integrity that takes care of that well.  I do not lie to myself, nor to others, you see. I always tell the truth, because I know that whatever the consequences of doing so, they are the best thing that could happen. You, however, mouth platitudes and bleat bromides.

 

Desiderata

You are not my brother. I don't know you, and I don't care to know you. Stop referring to me as "family". I am not in your family. I do not belong to your "brotherhood". You expect me to go along with the charade and somehow gain? Oh no, no, he's selfish, selfish! Self-centered! He values his individuality! Off with his head, he's not one of us! Throw him out on the street!

 I have contempt for you and your kind. Just leave me alone, and I'll do the same for you.

Alone and Unafraid

    

There was a time when all I could do was think of you, but you weren't the only one. There was a black haired young lady who looked at me and smiled, a long time ago now. She went away just like you went away, just like the others went away. Today I am alone and unafraid, happy to be so, walking the world without shame, pain or guilt. 

I don't hate you, despise you, miss you, love you, or want you anymore. Although I have told you good bye forever before-once or twice, I believe-this time it's true, horrible as that seems. 

Solitude

     

    I'm late for dinner and all alone

    but my canteen is full and a song is playing

    there's no one to answer me and I am fine

    I'll be in Tucson by and by

    without a dime to spend on you.