I live a funny fantasy
that I control how life will be
if only I pay constant mind
to details of my daily grind
I keep a list
of things to do
and push myself
to follow through
for if one thing
does not get done
I can’t pretend
I’m having fun
I do all this
to sideline stress
it seldom works
I must confess
and people?
they’re such a mess
for often, every day it seems
I find others don’t support my dreams
they ask that I give up my list
I fume
I pout,
I’m really pissed
so I sit and ponder here
do I give up this list so dear
what is it I really fear
if I stop controlling life
will this result in constant strife
if I slow to let love in
will pain clutch my heart again
the truth, of course
is sadly clear
this game that I hold so dear
simply masks
what I most fear
that love will hurt
if it gets near
tio stib, 2015
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I enjoyed this poem. It reminds me of my long time favorite author, Dr. Seuss. Have you given any thought about having someone illustrate this poem and market it as a children’s story? If not, you should.
Thanks for the helpful feedback. Yes, I have a friend, Eric Savage, currently illustrating my young adult book, “Perils of Payeto” He previously illustrated “Remedies for Reluctant Romantics” for me and acts as my eyes. A book of illustrated poems is on my future projects list. School Silverstein has inspired me with his wonderful illustrated kids’ poetry books. Thanks again for your suggestion, the gentle prod helps me focus.