Jean McLeod’s most recent poem to appear here was Passion (December 2012).
Zealots
By Jean McLeod
Thank you for your latest invitation.
I must respectfully decline.
One evening in the company
of you and your cohorts
gave me to realize
I don’t fit your social conventions.
Your peevish protests
against everything
for no particular gain
became the buzz of insects;
your conversation,
a plague of gnats,
your tongues,
emery boards
in a darkened room:
sparks
wearing away substance
without providing warmth.
An evening with you jingoistic bigots
was as much fun as waxing my cat
if less productive.
I appreciate your desire to educate me about the error
of my ways concerning religion, war, homosexuality, miscegenation, the economy, jobs
and the need for me to vote for a political candidate
of your choice.
But, really,
no.
Thank you.
No.
I must respectfully decline.
One evening in the company
of you and your cohorts
gave me to realize
I don’t fit your social conventions.
Your peevish protests
against everything
for no particular gain
became the buzz of insects;
your conversation,
a plague of gnats,
your tongues,
emery boards
in a darkened room:
sparks
wearing away substance
without providing warmth.
An evening with you jingoistic bigots
was as much fun as waxing my cat
if less productive.
I appreciate your desire to educate me about the error
of my ways concerning religion, war, homosexuality, miscegenation, the economy, jobs
and the need for me to vote for a political candidate
of your choice.
But, really,
no.
Thank you.
No.
What a magnifent poem that describes with the exact and essential words the way a lot of us feel re: zealots! Seems they abound recently. Thanks, Jean, for expressing wisdom on the subject in a way only you can.
This is an amazing poem. Clever, insightful and timely!
As we used to say in the sixties: Right on!
I agree with Jeanette and Sandy.
Very poised and direct.
Well put Jean.
Thank you so much,Sandra!
Bobbie! Right back at you!
Thank you so much, Jeanette.