“Narcissism: self-love; excessive interest in one’s own appearance,
comfort, importance, abilities, etc.” New World Dictionary
For MAB
A friend of mine suggested that I read
My poems at the open mike, along
With all the other wannabes that seem
Unable to persuade the myriad throng
Of publishers to put their poems in print.
Two poems max! The price? Patient respect
For all those other earnest singers’ faint
Attempts to win their laurels—now, direct!
“Jeez Merry, that’s just plain narcissism.”
(I could not imagine a worse offense.)
Then I thought: what if self-love’s the prism
Reflecting passionate propensities?
If mean egotism, plain lust for fame,
Drive those holy makers to loot the stars—
Their arts and science crafting what we are—
Then, surely narcissism is no shame.
(6/8/07)