Author’s Note: Thanks to my brother Lawrence for this idea.
Just be yourself, they say.
But which self?
The one who likes puns
And tries to make people laugh?
The one who becomes withdrawn,
For no obvious reason?
The one with a thin skin,
Who nurses resentments
Over insults real and imagined,
Or the one whose equanimity
Can’t be upset by trivial slights?
The one who lavishes affection
Upon those he loves,
Or the one who can’t be bothered
To say a kind word
Or squander a simple kiss.
© Dennis Hathaway
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