Rejection’s a whole lot easier to take
when it’s preceded by a bit of acceptance.
I can swallow a dozen no’s in a row
by someone who gave me a little hope in the first place.

That slightest possibility of another yes
leads me on so far
I will walk the plank
as far as a telescope
which is not especially safe on a trimene,
if you see what I’m saying.

Better to just take a bitter man’s advice
and assume misanthropy takes the day
and nobody wants anything to do with anybody.

That’s usually the case.
But where would we be
if that was the case?

No.
I just can’t accept it.
Bitterness can’t be the only way.
There’s something else, perhaps, I hope.
Maybe.