Notes About The Poem

April 5, entered in Sotto Poet's contest (choice of B words)

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Blame


If scorn were tangible, my neighbors' feelings 
would be fiery red. Through my window, I just 
saw them pass by. Seeing me, they quickly looked 
away, as if my brief gaze could be fatal. What is
their problem?

It's NOT my fault that some people are anti-social!

When the Jakes moved next door ten years ago, their
efforts to befriend me were woefully insufficient. Their
two attempts seemed insincere, half-hearted; so I've 
never reached out to them. I refuse to force myself on 
the unreceptive and unappreciative. I feel the same way
about my family members; they have failed me miserably!

It's not MY fault when neighbors aren't neighborly and 
family members are emotionally distant.

When I yelled at the neighbors' kids--such nuisances!--
for romping and cavorting noisily just fifty feet from 
my house, they failed to see the seriousness of their
behavior and, in their mealy-mouthed manner, merely
kept them indoors for two days. Some punishment!
 
It wasn't MY fault that they were weaklings.

Their kids are grown and on their own, but nothing
has changed. I might be willing to be Mrs. Jake's 
friend, but how can I reach out to someone whose cold
looks are so repugnant?

If hatred were palpable, hers--for me--would be a loud, 
dissonant, disturbing tune!

NOTHING that has--or has not--happened is my fault.
I suppose I should promise to say no more about these 
matters in the future

but I have too much to declare.

FICTIONAL WRITE
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Cozart Avatar
June 16, 2017 at 7:46 PM
I thinks it's AWESOME they way poets express their emotions in verse. So, 'declare' away!
Canerdy Avatar
June 16, 2017 at 9:05 PM
Thanks so much, Dale! Janice
Turner Avatar
June 16, 2017 at 5:00 PM
Yes, Mrs Janice, Good neighbors are hard to find. Easy to relate to and even had me smiling.
Canerdy Avatar
June 16, 2017 at 9:06 PM
Thanks, Daniel! Janice
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