In a fit of frustration
I asked him
"Why do you even talk to me?"
And he replied
"It's company".
I wanted to throttle him-
I wanted to throw a water glass
Against the wall and scream,
"WELL SO ARE DOGS AND PROSTITUTES!!!".
I suppose
That in a way
I am a little of both.
I come back,
Loyal despite circumstances-
Doing tricks,
Jumping through hoops
For a few moments of
His attention-
Doing anything to
Recieve the pay-off
Of his praise.
Though in the end
I suspect I am an easier
Keep than either.
All I can say,
And feel justified in saying is
"Whatever".
I felt as if I was reading my 14 yr olds Myspace page. I hear this scenario over and over again. Why do so many young girls and some women feel the need to validate themselves by having a man in their lives?
What a great premise! You paint a very accurate picture of how people have very different expectations of the relationships they are in. Your sardonic extension of the "dogs and prostitutes" metaphor is devastatingly clever, funny and sad all at once. There is clearly nothing left to be said but "Whatever."
One time when my now-ex-husband and I were arguing over the fact that he did not share things with me, he said, "I don't know what you're complaining about; at least I don't beat you!" My response was that there were several million other men on this planet who didn't beat me, either... it just had no relevance to the conversation at hand to me...
well, this poem barks alright. it's got real edge in it and it is also witty, though the wit is out of frustration. but more than that is seems to have truth in it...that sweet line 'doing tricks' is both funny and intensely sad as it says much about the unfairness of many releationships. You milk the idea, but not too much, just enough. I like 'jumping through hoops' and 'the pay off of his praise'......so much human behaviour fits into those descriptions. Who needs a fat sociology book when a short poem can sum up so much, so quickly? and that title is blood provocative...very bold, strong.
Amusing, some people just don't listen to themselfs before talking. Or they ignore the other person totally never really understand the answers they really need.
I find it difficult to think that this would refer to yourself, but rather perhaps to a friend or acquaintance who lacks the security to walk away from a degrading relationship. The frustration comes across so clearly, as does the combination of anger and self-deprecation seen in so many abusive situations, in which the abused party justifies the actions of the other by claiming his or her unworthiness, or enumerating his or her failings.
Hopefully, whoever the person who inspired this ( unless it was an imaginary one ) will get out. But either way, your insight and skill at turning this situation into an exercise in empathy and poetry, are commendable. Well done!