go away

I'm predisposed to expect the worst.
It's not easy turning yourself into an optimist;
the best I could ever do was be a realist.
I take my fears and write them down as verse.
Pessimism's wearying, and so's depression.
I still think those terrible things at first,
but now my backup plans have been rehearsed.
From worst to slightly better's my progression.
You keep telling me to lighten up,
but if I say "fuck off," that's negative expression.
Your focus on positive thinking is an obsession
that's driving me straight to a bottle and cup.
Look, all I want is to find some peace,
and have these tight-wound worries all release.

some kind of encouragement

Put in a little effort and impress me.
I know that you can do better than that,
so show some backbone and then let me see.

Don't hear my criticism, turn, and flee.
Are you a man or a scared little rat?
Put in some effort, kid, impress me.

I know this isn't all that you can be.
I've seen more ingenuity from a cat.
If you ever grow a backbone, let me see.

Is this all it takes to bring you to your knees?
Down for the count, laid out on the mat?
Come on, put in the effort, impress me.

Obviously pissing you off isn't the key.
What, do I have to come after you with a bat?
You have no backbone. Nothing here to see.

Great session, Jimmy. I think therapy
will cure your insecurity down pat.
You put in the effort and impressed me.
You've got a backbone, that is clear to see.

talents

They say to write what you know,
so what do I have to write about?
Psychology, grammar, poetic forms, doubt-
ing myself, young adult fantasy, how to show
emotion through my voice, how to survive
a heart broken by friendship or by love,
indie music, fixing computers (sort of),
talking myself down from panic attacks, how to drive
my sisters up a wall, how to give the greatest hug,
queer theory, Star Trek, making jewelry,
organizing events, office work, how to see
the meaning behind a metaphor or a shrug,
and how to read emotion in a face.
Well, that seems like a solid knowledge base.