Self Esteem

I self-deprecate

because

it gives me 

a fertile starting point.

Expectations are low

when you build yourself down.

Make them think

you are an idiot!

Then astound them 

with your mediocrity.

Reviews

[Alexa Apothic Red]

There's no way that the truest version of this person is in any way mediocre.. quite the contrary.. it's obvious that it took an act of dumbing oneself down "make them think you are an idiot!" Which implies that, in fact, there's much more to this person if you take the time to peel the layers. Love the depth of this!! And the possibilities!

[D Alan Johnstone]

Well... thank you. I'm not that great, so this is how I cheat.

[Alexa Apothic Red]

In good writing we all become gods and goddesses.. we can be anyone we want or do anything we want. It's the greatest alternate reality because we can create it.

[D Alan Johnstone]

Oh... I so agree with that

[saphy]

I love that I can relate to this. I try to make people understand that because of trials and tribulations I've had in life and having not been handed the best deck of cards....I have low expectations, I expect the worst in every scenario because by doing so, I won't find disappointment, in myself or in others. When you think this way you can prepare appropriately for the worst, anything differing from that is a pleasurable bonus.
I get this.

saphy (x)

[D Alan Johnstone]

Thanks, Saphy. I'm glad it is relatable

[R.E. Ray]

An interesting and unique perspective--"a fertile starting point." Despite the last line, specifically "mediocrity," the poem hints the writer is more confident and competent than the other lines suggest. Mediocrity in whose eyes, the writer or others'? Perhaps I'm reading deeper than I should, but that's my take away--the writer begs others to underestimate him.

[D Alan Johnstone]

Hey Robert!
Yes, that's correct. The narrator tells people he's terrible, hoping they will be impressed when they discover he's adequate (but not great).