This Poem is Not Out to Offend Anyone
This poem is innocuous,
equitable; it belittles no one.
This poem views all sides of every argument and,
with careful qualifications,
agrees.
This poem abjures controversy. It says
All are included. It says
See how likeable I am, how just.
This poem’s fairness is rivaled
only by its modesty:
it is a humble poem
ready to change perspectives,
allow for differing opinions.
That is, if this poem
had any opinions, which it does not
for fear of appearing shrill,
espousing unpopular
or too popular
metaphors, cultural allusions,
difficult frames of reference.
Your point is taken, says the poem
(in passive tense, avoiding
freighted emotions).
Some say this, some say that
this poem acknowledges—
But, however, on the other hand…
This poem only wants to be liked.
Ann E. Michael