Not Very Nice

by flammeusgladius

Not Very Nice

(for Mary Gundling)

Does Mrs. Gundling say I should be nice
To enemies of common decency?
That attitude, I’m sure, would be a vice.

I knock twerps down and kick them more than twice.
Perhaps those standing by might challenge me.
Does Mrs. Gundling say I should be nice?

Noch bleibe ich kaltblutig, veins like ice.
My iron nerves indeed cannot agree.
That attitude, I’m sure, would be a vice.

Like the God Julius, I’ve rolled the dice
And stepped beyond all vile uncertainty.
Does Mrs. Gundling say I should be nice

Instead? Warm, soft, and bloodless – like white rice?
Before the idols must I take a knee?
That attitude, I’m sure, would be a vice

For which I would be punished in a thrice.
Counsel instead those targeted to flee!
Does Mrs. Gundling say I should be nice?
That attitude, I’m sure, would be a vice.

–Tom Riley