Ethan Clark

“Lone man,
hidden in your own qualities,
be bad.
Disturbing.
Be aggressive as befits you.
Be cunning.
Reckless.
Keep your legs tight,
as they should be.
Love yourself to the point of vanity.
Do not explain your intentions,
nor the mystery of your steps.
Do not explain your moods.
You'll need two lifetimes
to please a frowning face.
And when they blame you,
take the wound with an open smile.
Remind them of what the peacock said:
"I do not deny it, gentlemen,
I did not deny it
but, what about the vanity of a rat?"
Be present, hidden
like electricity in two clouds.
Be solid and evasive.
Be devilish in your ways.
Because of you,
contrary stranger,
for your self respect
must lie to this world!”
― Mourid Barghouti, منتصف الليل