OBLONG

it could very well be
I have become too large
for the space I've been in

I wonder if there's a workspace
I can create

where I don't bang myself

I wonder if there's a homespace
I can find

where I don't bang myself

I wonder if there are relationships possible...

I wonder if there are towns
my expression of who I am

wouldn't be so insulting to so many

__________________________


lately I've been trying on
a new persona

a bearded one
who speaks a little Italian

as he throws his phone number
at grocery store cashiers
in the midst of their work

doesn't hesitate to
calmly tell people
he doesn't appreciate being judged

and comes up with brilliant ideas
at the right moment
like offering to cook dinner
for an attractive new acquaintance

so far I am receiving positive feedback
on this bolder and more comfortable self

and the Italian definitely seems to help

________________________________________


and this way at least
if people are going to be offended
such offense can be achieved

with minimal cost and
before they think I am someone other

than some odd mutt dog
with short legs and big snout
high needs for affection
louder bark than you'd guess
doesn't bite

I could go on
but the next metaphor
and surely you would think of me

strangely obtuse

sincerely offering
simultaneously oversensitive
surprisingly overblown

and most certainly

oblong