Networking

Impressed with himself,

he announces

his worth

with a loud recitation

of awards

and accomplishments

and important people

he knows.

Satisfied,

he finishes

his speech,

and asks me,

“So what do you do?”,

almost as if

he is genuine,

almost like

he does not know

that it is obvious

he is testing

my value.

Up on game,

I recite a truth

of my own,

and I say,

“I be educated

at the school

of failure

and wisdom.

I be having to remind

myself to breathe.

I be living,

serving,

resting,

tired,

dreaming,

moving,

loving,

and minding my own business.

I be disinterested

in proving myself to you.

I be

enough,

so I be me

on purpose.”

Without apology,

I offer

this rebuttal

at the perfect volume

inside my head.

But in reality,

I respond

traditionally.

with a smile.

Exhausted,

I daydream about

the TV show

I could’ve been

watching at home.