Half-Satisfied/Half-Displeased

No surprise modern life leaves so many confused.

The world can't even agree on the right attitude

A person should take toward their hobbies or work.

You're either too negative or an arrogant jerk.

If I won't be my own fan, why would anyone else.

If I'm not my own worst critic, aren't I deluding myself?

The so-called healthy attitude is to try

Keeping the world close to half-satisfied

But I hold more closely with those who believe

It's much simpler to fool folks than trying to please.

Deliberate Conformity and Inevitable Nonconformity

Governing two decades of life by two rules:

Better contentment than accomplishment, accomplishment than cool,

and if you can't get better or get even, just get out

Leads to roadbeds of resistance and uncounted gravel doubts.

It's not just road less traveled; it's road not even paved,

But these rules my life both guided and improved, and even saved,

and thought it's prone to washboard and it's potholed with regret,

The former keeps me wide awake; the rest ain't stopped me yet.

Poorly Planned

I'm sure that same gameplan has served you for years,

Getting by on inconsistency, bailed out by tears,

But I've got a defense like you ain't seen before.

It might have worked then, but it won't anymore.

You need to learn when to go for it, when to punt.

You ran a draw on third and twenty.  You ain't getting what you want

For the first time, left tongue-still and mouth-agape.

Good luck next time.  I'm already studying tape.

Eleven Minutes on a New Motorcycle

The first ten minutes are for butterflies and shifting in the seat,

For fluttering, thumb-fingered hands and left feet,

For trying to figure out where all the controls are

Without turning all that hardware into modern sculpture,

and after that, it's either transportation, or it's love.

When 20/20 Is Almost Good Enough

I know that I should take this like a man, as if I'm grown.

I know that in the pain of loneliness, I'm nowhere near alone.

I know the other side of being dumped ain't strolling in the park.

I know we're walking separately the same great valley dark.

I know that you are taking this at least as hard as me.

Last time we met, t'was in your face, unhid, quite plain to see.

I know. I get the gist, but I can't even say too bad

Because I'm glad.

When 20/20 Isn't Good Enough

I know this ain't an end that you were charting from the start.

I know you anted up your sweat and tears, your blood, your beating heart.

I know you don't do this to torture me–it's not for me, at all.

I know that learning how to ride is half learning to fall.

I know ten years from now, I will remember this and laugh,

and knowing me, I doubt it will take ten, or even half.

I know these things. I do. I get the gist. I'm well aware,

and I don't care.

Campaign-Sign Slalom

Your ambitions, your attempts at getting underway

At getting into power, at getting in the way

Are, in the last matter, already making hay.

You, as your kind is wont to be, are already a pain.

So I cannot help but find the mirth in seeing your campaign

Toppled by ordinary wind and ordinary rain.