“Introverted Extrovert” - 3/16/25

I like to be anonymous
I can be the life of the party if I need to, but why?
There is so much power in observing, in being the witness
And infinitely more distance to laugh with, or to cry

I like to be anonymous
I am the one sitting in the coffeehouse corner, wrestling
With your truth and whether what you’re telling her is merely
Convenient or archeologically sound a low, grounded hum

Something upon which your lover can rely like Simchat Torah
Or the tooth fairy as a child I think one can be quiet
And still be internally wild and when you ask me
“What are you working on” you must forgive my ignorance

Do I need to be working on something?
My mother used to hate it when I sat on the Metro North
Arms crossed, legs swinging, deep in composing
Melodies ringing in my head she’d kvetch “don’t sit like a dummy!”

Tossing me a section of the newspaper, somewhat violently:
"Here, read!" But with a love only a mother looking out for
The Future knows how balancing loud disapproval with equal
Encouragement to be smart, be informed, be busy, be

Accomplished yeah I like to be anonymous
I always have and if you ask me too many questions
I wouldn’t necessarily offer quickly it can make me anxious
Don’t take it personally take heart you’re much more suited

For this social media era than me!