You embarrass us
with your power
fixation, your weak
performative belligerence,
your shameless—but-
should-be-shameful—
treatment of an ally.
You embarrass us
with your yapping
sidekick: a shallow
echo, a schoolyard
bully trying too hard—
failing anyway.
You embarrass us
with your puny
understanding,
your calculated words,
signifying nothing.
We see through
your bellicose
persona, recognize
a strongman’s
facade. We know
that inside
you are cowering
on your back,
baring your neck,
your tender belly,
while the bear
stands over you
triumphant.
by Gale Naylor
Poetry by Gale 