So Tell Me About Yourself

I don't relate to myself

in terms of things or

accomplishments

But, I will address my attitudes

in relation to some of those things

I think you would know.

I am grateful.

I live the life of an Aztec king.

I have ice from the high mountain peaks

and fresh foul from the forest depths brought to my table.

I live like did the Lords of Venice.

I have pepper and spices, tea from Ceylon

and coverings of dyed cotton with rich fruits to adorn it.

I live the life of merchant princes of yore.

I traverse vast leagues, vest the markets of distant cities

and their factories and mines and labors of men high and low.

I live the varied pleasures of a pasha.

I call mute servant adjust my clime, possess rare disks

and summon archives, troupes of entertainers and musicians.

I live too like the ancient royalty of China.

I dwell within crafted timbers, wield molded utensils

and enjoy tapestries, silks, fine garments and porcelains.

Raised in peace, I am alive in luxury as I open

a refrigerated wonder with meat and grains from the plains,

green lettuce from the rich valleys of California

and tomatoes from the dusty fields of Mexico.

I marvel in silent thanks as I turn a crafted knob and water’s

clean gleam, cascades into the alchemy of a stainless steel basin;

water I've seen others carry from dark bloated river banks

in earthen jars on their heads up the miles of steep hill sides.

Oh, I also like my job as well, and near every day,

I take lunch with swans under the oaks by the lake in the park.

But truly, enough about me, what about you ??

(Circa '02)