James Moore Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Something We Are Not

(“Perception and Reality Merit Badge”, 2015, original oil)

We think we’re something we are not
And it’s obvious what that is
To those who know what we are not.
Some think they are smart when they aren’t
Or thin, or strong, or talented, or beautiful
When it’s clear to everyone else they aren’t
Some think they are a male or female
When it’s obvious they aren’t
Even when they try with drastic measures
And authoritarian means to force agreement
There is still the small child within us
Who simply remarks
The Emperor is yet again not wearing any clothes.
Our lives become a continual progression
Of such false beliefs and misguided hopes
With death the ultimate test at the end
Will we die then
Or only realize our body all along was simply
Something we are not.

(6/26/26)

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