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My Guilt

by Jeffrey Parren

My guilt
starts off early in the morning
by putting on
light and airy fibers for the summer
maybe even a headband
to catch the sweat

or

multiple layers and gloves
for the winter
as protection
since
why would a little cold
stop my guilt?

then my guilt
grabs a glass of water
or a small breakfast
and begins
to stretch
and breathe

preparing
building up that guilt

and as the final bow
or double knot
has been laced
and secured on those
running shoes

my guilt
heads out into the world
to go for a light run
starting the day with exuberance

or perhaps a lunch break jog
just about the time
I have made my way
from the bed to the couch
where hours upon hours
of video games await

or to write
some poetry
about my weary soul
which is now 25 pounds heavier
because of a bitter winter

and my guilt prances by
reminding me
how I dream of running
a marathon

or flashes on the television
or in magazines
advertising gear
of the drive of the competition

but dreams do need
some leg work behind them
some gumption
some get off your ass and do it!

but the only thing
abundant with my guilt
is the ability to forget
until the next
runner passes
the livingroom window

and my guilt
exclaims its own existence
as I mumble
"guilt"
under my breath
in between bites
of Burger King
or Wendy's
and slurping on that
extra grandiose
soda
to wash it down.

02/12/2009

Posted on 02/16/2009
Copyright © 2024 Jeffrey Parren

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Coleman Demiurge on 02/17/09 at 03:52 AM

I don't know, I kind of like my guilt. Some may say it prevents me from trying new things, but I say it prevents me from making the same mistake twice. While guilt may have some redeeming qualities (so says me anyway) Regret and Fear really do not, and they can turn guilt into something negative. That's kind of what I got out of this poem: Regret for not doing something and/or a Fear of actually doing something new or different, which leads to guilt (our conscience chastising us). Anyway, I really like this poem very much; in particular these lines, my favorites: "but the only thing abundant with my guilt is the ability to forget"... Very true, and very nicely done.

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