Back to the pantoum, this time to vent a bit. (Yes, it’s bitter—but the first iteration was outright mean, so I have actually taken a step up…)

I almost feel sorry for you, you know
Someone with your experience should really know better
Did something happen out there that made you fail to grow?
I always wonder about folks who try so hard to be clever

Someone with your experience should really know better
surely you were an up-and-comer once
I always wonder about folks who try so hard to be clever
only to end up looking like—I can’t say it…

Surely you were an up-and-comer once
looking for inspiration, building your voice
trying not to end up looking like—I still can’t say it…
Now you’ve reached a place where you have a choice

Looking for inspiration, building your voice
you made choices, took chances—and people listened
Now you’ve reached a place where you have a choice
you should no longer be blinded by ambition

You once made choices, took chances—and people listened
Have you forgotten the respect they gave you?
You should no longer be blinded by ambition
and do right by the people following behind you

Have you forgotten the respect they gave you?
Someone with your experience should really know better
Do right by the people following behind you
I always wonder about folks who try so hard to be clever…

(14 March 2016)