O B L I G A T I O N Poem by Jim Boone

O b l i g a t i o n


“I don’t want to feel obligated to you,
or you to feel obligated to me.”

Your words, so defensive and cautions
while ball room dancing around that
old commitment bug-a-boo. Right!

Here’s a guy so afraid, that someone
may penetrate his charade

So concerned with self and exit signs,
love and trust are gathering dust
high on an unreachable shelf.

Be at ease Mr. Wrong. I got it, and I
never expect more from anyone
than they are capable to give. I give
in excess, not to store up obligation,
not to put you to any tests. Hey -

I’ve received so much, so often,
from others along the way, if I don’t
share the wealth, I grow stagnant, it
decays. I'll be fine. Just a case of
misplaced intent. 1969