Maybe if I were born
into a different
family where madness
As a phenomenon
was seen as positive
as a plus to culture
Yes as speculative
fiction goes this is real
but in our real world false
Belittle strange creatures
for they do not belong
among friends their troubles
End up spoiling our plans
we just want to have fun
enjoy life while we can
I on occasion wish
that I were never born
It's a Wonderful Life
Figures out that problem
there is no solution
to not getting along
If we accept the strange
idiosyncrasies
that people exhibit
When such acts cause no harm
for to be plainly clear
violence changes things
Even as alcohol
warped my own father's mind
where moments of pure rage
Remain acceptable
within our family
that rage affected me
Eccentric as a child
the son of immigrants
I did not fit in well
Beaten with words and fists
by friends and family
tortured by my brother
Only my mother held
the cleaver to frighten
my wits to think clearly
Right or left hand to cut
off at the wrist a chance
she often took with tears
Nimbly rolling in streams
down my cheeks me pleading
to be a better son
To wit is their madness
something I learned a sponge
soaks up in osmosis
Ostracized by others
I became a poet
to speak truth against lies
