The Dark Side

I always knew it existed in me
I keep it sublimated
so polite folks do not
see it.
makes them uncomfortable
I clean up real good
and I powder up nice,
tip my hat to the ladies give the nod
and the firm shake to the guys
but the "tetchy" is always there.
Some don't get it,
those that do
do so quietly
Even the dogs shy away
at times
but come around for the treats
they're glad to see me when it's cold outside
and I've got the extra blanket on the bunk
everybody knows me when the job to be done
is a little bit sideways and they just want it to go away.
Like taking care of the old critters and such.
"Everybody wants to take a ride up to heaven,
but nobody wants to make the climb
You put 'em down when it's time
you don't mention it at supper
they don't either
If I lived in their tidy starched crinoline world,
I'd be underdressed and overburdened
and none of us would be comfortable.
So I guess I'll keep my thoughts to myself