True Reflection

Humility is often assumed from an outside perspective. They like your smaller pride in what you've got, when you've got less than most. Maybe you'd brag, but you've got no reason. Why should someone say you have it better, when it's you who goes without? There's no romance in being broke; nothing glamorous about having next to nothing. It's only cute, like pugs are while suffocating for reasons intrinsic to their breeding. It's only charming, like a weather-worn house in a picture or painting – somewhere you don't have to call home. A lot of people are impressed by poverty nostalgia, last century's struggles polished to a mirror shine. But they don't see the true reflection, too busy saying: "They don't build 'em like they used to" while your roof comes caving in. Folks who want your vote, complimenting your lack of education and income, when they were born to plenty of both. The honesty I'm after is this in particular – love for the ugly beauty; gratitude for not going back there. Not an ounce of pity for you, and no self-pity for me.

 

December 10, 2022

Annapolis County, Nova Scotia

 

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