Self Portrait

a poem by Swaminathan S

Somebody said: I should be so & so (superior)
I said no, I am just the dirt in your toe.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (rich)
I said no, I do not have enough dough.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (friendly)
I said no, I am neither a friend nor a foe.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (flexible)
I said no, I don’t bend, I don’t bow.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (complex)
I said no, I don’t hit a high, nor do I lie low.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (emotional)
I said no, that is something I don’t show.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (professional)
I said no, I am not an amateur, I am not a pro.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (mature)
I said no, I am so dumb that I don’t grow.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (nosy)
I said no, I am not Pinocchio.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (not manipulatable)
I said no, I am just like a yo-yo.

Somebody said: I should be so & so (Mr. No)
I said no, I am just so & so.

Somebody said: I got you, you are so & so
I said no, I am just so-so.