Things Could Be Worse

I’ve lost a desire to walk in the wood;
don’t have any interest to travel about;
so often I’m sad and misunderstood;
the creek is low; in the midst of drought.

The sun seems to have lost interest in me;
seldom shining when I go outside;
the morning fog restricts all that I see;
happiness has left me to hide.

I wear past failures like an oversized coat;
my circumstance is already adverse;
others I meet, seem impressed to gloat;
saying, “Things could always be worse.”

I appreciated the concept; but hated each word;
for they grinned as they uttered the cliché;
and though it seemed far more than absurd;
I’d respond with, “Have a good day!”

For, I already knew that it could be worse;
now, I suffered new guilt, as well.
How long did the stranger need to rehearse;
to cause guilt and depression to swell?

I didn’t need a lecture; was already terse;
I’d lost my wife; and was still a debtor;
I never wanted to hear that it could be worse;
only wanted to know it’d get better.

When someone complains and needs one to care;
dispense with the attitude and self righteous crown;
for they don’t need much; just you to be there;
and they’ll lift YOU up; when YOU are down.

Monty 8/15/21.