“The Other St. Patty’s Day”
The way the world goes:
Others taking control,
stashing off loads of information,
constant internalling,
creating barbed-wire fences
against our own knowledge.
We are reminded today
that people and interfaces
impose what holidays we celebrate,
what colors we wear
just by their subtleties.
I forfeit my choice,
my reason
for a saintly mindset
to drink a pint
and share a laugh,
because I want
authentic attitudes.
The line grows grey
and even today green
with confusion
like the Savannah river front.
Instead,
I reflect on friends
and loved ones
who are worth
every raised glass,
without someone
telling me
I have to listen.
For I need not
some morning reminder
to know who I love,
who I celebrate.
It just is.