Extremely Frightening

What is wrong?
What's the matter?

'Why do you ask?
Nothing is wrong.
In fact...
I am feeling great.
No need to complain.
Not today.
Everything is right 'there'...
Up in the face.'

You respond as if you can be pleasant.

'Oh...
Don't try it.
You're trying to see my eyebrow arch?

That's exactly what I am saying.
You said that...
And not a raised eyebrow did I see.
No sarcasm!
Nothing cynical!
Nothing 'snide'...
Flip or 'clippish'!
Nothing at all to say,
About how stupid fools are.

'Well...
Come on,
Give me a break!
I use to pride myself...
In having something 'wise'
And smart mouthed to say!
Now?
It seems 'everybody' has stolen my routine.

I...once again,
Have decided to be innovative.
Now I express love, patience and understanding.'

And that's what's frightening.
Very few are doing that at all today.
You stand out like a wart on someone's face.

'Now...
I want to point out something.
IF I had said that to you...
A few months or even days ago,
You would be ready to argue or fight with me.

Today...
I don't have to say a word.
People can see all of their blemishes and flaws.
They are all out in the open now.
Every last one.

And 'that' to you should be extremely frightening.'

Why is that?

'I haven't seen so many ugly people in my life!
Have you? '

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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