"If I'm Being Honest" - Poem from I'm Just Saying Is All

If I'm Being Honest

A Poem of Self-Awareness

I’m afraid to say what I am

for fear in my head it’s inflated

and wouldn’t survive critique.

But I know what I’m not…

I’m not immoral, amoral, a bully, or a bigot.

I’m not entitled, unfair, a liar, or a hypocrite.

I’m not a schemer, so there’s that.

And I know I’m not cruel.

I don’t exploit weakness

or use leverage as a tool.

I don’t seek to gain advantage,

but I’m no sucker either,

and I’m nobody’s fool.

I’m not violent, dishonest, or greedy,

nor irresponsible or unreliable either.

I’m never late.

And I’m not afraid anymore...

I am a defender of the helpless,

a wisher for the hopeless,

compassionate for the victims,

sorrowful for the dying, dead, and surviving.

I’m a soldier.

I may have been arrogant, annoying,

and rude on more than one occasion.

But I’m a thoughtful person, and I love my people.

I’m a provider.

Once in a while I can be defensive,

self-deprecating, and judgmental.

And then and again, a wee bit selfish,

self-centered, and stubborn too.

I’m a man.