SUPERFLUOUS

Some said that I was smooth
Could glide along like the wind
And sweet, too, never leaving
Anyone with the feeling of bitterness
I was observant and considerate
My friends’ mothers called me
Mr. Wonderful. I was superfluous

Then college came along
I had no extra money
Could not spend good feelings
Or compete with the
Gross Pointe boys, with
Nice clothes and flashy cars
I turned inward

I observed them
They seemed to be surface people
Now and then I ran across some
Who seemed to come from deeper inside
Their meaning had more measure
I could relate and also converse
Retrospective analysis: I was immature

I had not learned how to behave
Could not arrange the use of time
Chose the wrong things to prioritize
Was loose with my language
Excuses were not hard to find
I thought my case was different
But I was just one of many

I came to grips with reality
Learned to say no when it mattered
Finished schooling and began my career
Became entrenched in work and doing
Married a left-over who was right for me
Taught our children to think of others first
To be smooth and sweet; superfluous

Stanski
December 16, 2019 ^