When I lack direction
They give me religion
When I lack discretion
They squelch my questions
When I challenge regimes
They corner me into the mainstream
When I seek advice
They tell me to sacrifice
When I ask for help
They tell me to save myself
When I offer my assistance
They react with resistance
When I show my presence
They criticize me for pretense
When I grace them with absence
They sense the suspense
When I try to improve
They ask me to move
When I try to take a break
They shower me with headaches
When I act like myself
I’m a demon from hell
But when I embrace civility
I’m denying reality
When I fail
They silence my wails
When I succeed
They start to proceed
When I decide to just “be”
They tell me I’m bored and lazy
When I assertively take action
They want a piece of the faction
When I talk to humans
They sense my commotion
When I disengage
They become enraged
It is not that I am trying to please
Each and every one around me
But if I am to admit, honestly
It’s that I can’t find my place in this city
MG
