A Life In Compromises Poem by RIC BASTASA

there is this subsumed
self that is reserved for a misinterpretation

that which must be tolerated
otherwise the personality breaks into
pieces

multi-sided, and can be dangerous
what it needs is just a little time

perhaps a minute for it to exist
the rest must cooperate because

though minute, it can destroy the eye
give it time, give it what it deserves

then go back to the strong self that
you introduce and keep

the days have many hours
like a merry-go-round take a cycle

life is always a compromise
for without it, the ward opens.