Projection
Successful folks may sadly see
Some people who transparently
Imbued with woebegone regret
And caustic bitterness beset,
So jealous of your avenue,
Project their misery on you.
Such pain your fault as they construe it,
With no inkling that they do it.
The Smiling Man
Though you always see him cheerful
Spreading humor far and wide,
From that vantage point may you conclude
He has no other side?
While the smiles are so ubiquitous
The laughter unrestrained,
Can you say what dominates his soul–
Felicity or pain?
Russel G. Winick recently began writing poetry at nearly age 65, after concluding a long career as an attorney. Langston Hughes’ work is his primary inspiration. Several dozen of Mr. Winick’s poems have appeared or are forthcoming in over a dozen online and print venues.
Sparks of Calliope 