Cyndi says our most important experiences are shared ones,
But this introvert plays Devil’s Advocate.
Because I am ambivalent about her opinion;
Because people often let me down.
Perhaps my standards are too high,
My grudges too prolonged,
My patience too short,
My judgement too shrewd.

I often think Cyndi is right
For my favorite memories are laughing amongst friends,
Drinking, playing board games, singing around campfires,
Doing gymnastics with sisters and cousins,
Wandering through nature with childhood friends,
Impulsively getting snared in love,
Crassly bantering as one of the boys,
Cracking jokes with coworkers,
Simply talking to one person,
Sharing a meal with family.

But in my memories writing and reading,
Characters are in a sense more likable
As I comprehend them more fully,
Viewing them through my mind’s lens.
I realize I’m laughing in much the same way
As when amongst tangible people.
These are the physical entities whose faults affect me;
Their being short, impatient, flaky, self-serving,
Forgetful, defensive, thoughtless and greedy.

Perhaps my conclusion is unclear whether
Our most important experiences are shared ones,
Or not, or likely the scales lie in relative balance.
In any case, I am a disciple of the Serenity Prayer,
Attempting once again to lie down the verbal sword
I want to free everyone of their faults with.