I like to keep a critical eye
on what everyone else does
but frequently avoid
aiming it at myself
if I did I’d lean back and
recline towards forgiveness
with arms out for a hug
instead of a cold shoulder
maybe ask you over
for coffee
even pull out
my secret stash
of homemade cookies
sitting right behind
the two-year-old
boxed ones
the ones I’d serve you
if I hadn’t discovered
how compassion works
your reward for my disapproval
would have a hint of staleness
something you’d probably
be too polite to mention