1983-05-22

      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 —

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