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Alternative
by Ryan NardiI need a pen and some paper on hand.
I often say what I'm thinking, at length,
whether or not anyone cares or understands.
And I write, though it doesn't build upper-body strength.
And I, even I, am a man.
I like little houses and walks in the woods.
I don't fight for nothing with fists out of spite.
I'd rather have good food and good books than goods.
I don't count another's death boon to my life.
And I, even I, am a man.
I am weedy, not humble, but neither round chested.
I don't have the slightest clue who's in the play-offs.
I sneer at ambition, big trucks, and investments.
I don't only think about god on my day off.
And I, even I, am a man.
I read for my leisure, to nuture my brain,
I find celebrity worship profane.
I see all prim coifs as dreadlocks and mange.
And if it's not in current trend I will not change.
And I, even I, am a man.
04/16/2008 Author's Note: not quite what i'd hoped it would be. but it is what i is. i hope to rewrite it someday.
Posted on 04/16/2008
Copyright © 2025 Ryan Nardi
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Charlie Morgan on 04/16/08 at 04:34 PM ...i see a beautiful mental consciousness drift, a concerned/albeit small, regarding the bygollys and bygums of what others think and more 'of this is me,' just stating not apologizing, i love it ryan, much heaviness in these words...charlie |
| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 04/16/08 at 04:53 PM I really like the honesty of this piece Ryan, and how the repetition of the last line conveys that Americans come in many different varieties, although it could apply to any number of other nationalities also. As a Canadian I see Americans no better than the rest of us, and even pity the USA in how many in the world dislike you for being No. 1...in some regards. |
| Posted by Mary Frances Spencer on 04/16/08 at 09:54 PM Well done! I too appreciate the straight-forward expression here. MFS |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 04/23/08 at 01:32 AM You've said it with some eloquence. "To be an American" has a very broad base! Very! |
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