Sideways Glance

Ben Merchant

I look at you and I see it.

That brash arrogance

I've so often heard accompanies youth.

But I know better

than to believe everything I hear,

than to take everything at face value.

I can think for myself,

I can rely on experience,

(Yes, I know I'm young.)

Maybe it's hurt,

I've seen its effects before.

Maybe--just maybe

it's both.

Maybe you're proud and hurt

eliciting your lack of respect.

I long ago dismissed thet heory

that you were just ignorant.

And so, yet another time I will

extend the hand of forgiveness

(but not yet forgetfulness)

and continue hating you in private.

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