Sometimes the show
has to go on
because you’re
the only one
who can do it.
Even if you
don’t think you can,
you do.

Even if they think
they can do it
better than you,
or have more friends
to help them,
more supporters
who see them through.

Sometimes it’s
only you,
and you have to
be that dude.
Even though
they wrote
a sign or two,
a couple million
faster than you,
drive faster cars
than your Subaru.

Dude, do you.
Be you. Even if
your gas lights
an engine or two,
stirs a pot or two,
gets a few fuming too,
dude, be you.

It’s better
to like you
than for them
to like you.
Life is
a business,
growing up
is the trick.

If you feel this,
then don’t care
what they say
or do.
Let them hate.
It feels good
to know
someone’s
thinking of you.

 

Jason Wright is the editor and founder of Oddball Magazine. His column appears weekly. His third book, Train of Thought 2: Almost Home is available now at the Oddball Book Store.