All Just Some Familiar Strangers: A Satirical Poem
The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.
-- Shirley MacLaine
Nobody knows me better than I
and I'm still discovering who I am
no matter how hard anyone may try
it would be like extracting fruit from jam.
People are strangers much more than they know
disclosing selectively how much they choose
so it's all nothing but a spectacular show
either upsetting or meant to amuse.
Actors being audience at same time
laboring hard to meet at half a way
all confessions not worth a dime
enigmas no matter what we say.
Language we use doesn't make us closer
for there are lies we collectively cherish
and trying to read others' minds, no sir
good for us, or else we might perish.
Enormous cultural paradigm we have built
as if things mean to everyone the same
lying with no remorse, shame or guilt
just in a mutually deceiving game.
Those public figures we pretend to know
merely from ways that media are telling
in totally unfamiliar nation we see a foe
so lies that we bought we keep selling.
So here I am a stranger to me
and more of it to you as well
it's the only truth I can see
others reluctant to tell.
© 2024 Val Karas