QUARANTINE LIFE: MONDAY THOUGHTS

Am I getting old, and set in my ways;

More critical than need be?

Or is it simply that I know what I like 

And am spoiled terribly?

Won't let fluff, or glitter, or noise 

Meant as a distraction deceive me

Can't say that it's good when it ain't

I know what's worth applause 

And what aims to grieve me

Am I getting crotchety; am I impatient

Should I just keep my mouth closed?

Does every unpleasant occurrence require my input?

I suppose

It's just best to let others be, do, and behave

In the manner that suits their whims

Keep my thoughts to myself; preserve peace

And when all else fails, just excuse them

If whatever they're doing, however they're doing it

Suits their fancies or agendas

I have options to tune out, to opt out, to walk out

Seek out more favorable contenders

For my likes and my preferences

Favorites, and all that floats my particular boat

I don't have to be bored, or indebted to cosign

The stories that someone else wrote

But I don't have to stew, or complain

Or remain in a funk in uncomfortable times

I don't have to negate, or add to my plate

Any task that has never been mine

Just do what I know; do my best and propose

To be as respectful as I can

And know when to comply, and what to oblige

When to bow out, or to lend a hand

With maturity comes a level of tolerance, grace--even mercy

With experience comes a point at which 

Tolerance ends for mediocrity

With integrity comes an obligation to tell the unvarnished truth

With wisdom comes the need to remember 

That they are simply not you