If You Have The Confidence.......

Am I a worker
who never stayed the course
just to be implicit
in all society's crimes?
Or am I just a fool
without the patience
to let the game run out
on someone else's dime?

If you give me a ladder,
I'll pretend to climb.
If you have the confidence,
I'll steal your time.

Am I a mover
who sat down way too long
just to hear the rumble
in the voices in the clouds?
Or am I just a shaker
without the will
to give in to the rat race
on the run behind the crowd?

If you tell me a rumor,
I'll pretend to share it loud.
If you have the confidence,
I'll keep you disavowed.

Am I a sinner
who hides behind the saints
just to be forgiven
in mercy's slow restraint?
Or am I just a beggar
without the shame
to take your every handout
on top of my complaints

If you tell a story,
I'll pretend I can explain.
If you have the confidence,
I'll leave you to your pain.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

I wish all the hackers and con artists I've dealt with had provided me with a questionnaire like this one. I might be a richer man now.

[Curly Grace]

The looping questions and repeated pretenses make this feel raw and revealing. Beautifully done.

[Brandon Houser]

Raw and revealing. I love that. Thank you!

[W. Barrett Munn]

Brandon,

This doesn't take off until the second stanza. Might think about deleting that first one. Jump right in and start it: If you give me a ladder.

You might also toy with its rhythms.

Give me a ladder, I'll pretend to climb;
If you have ...

Overall, very worthwhile effort.

[Brandon Houser]

My friend, even with your suggestions, I am thankful you liked it. Always nice to see you Winston. B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I need a lot of saints to stand behind....
and I have plenty of confidence that I am a mess of a poet.
But I do like to shake.
This poem made me want to dance.
j.

[Brandon Houser]

I appreciate that Jacob! Thanks!

[Davidgeo]

As long as it makes money today... nothing has to be true tomorrow.

I'm bad at actually critiquing the writing part. Sorry.

[Brandon Houser]

It's ok. Just glad you read it.