Yes, I'm coming to believe some people are smarter than I.
Oh, I knew it before but not in the same way.
I saw them above me, running corporations
but I never really got to know them.
Occasionally I'd shake their hand or speak with them
and I'd feel like an object being patronized;
suppressing my resentment or my urge to please;
they left me doubtful.
But they were easy to ignore, because they were so rare or so distant
and I could live the illusion of being the equal of anyone,
on this, my chosen ground, raw intelligence.
But hey, brothers, they've found me or I them now;
I speak now as often as I'm quiet.
and I judge as often as I'm judged.
Now I have only my poetry to make me different
which I never show....
05-22-83
Irvine, CA
— Copyright 1965-2008 by Dennis Gallagher —