just once, I’d like to make the first move.

 

I want to do a runner

before the landlord chucks me out.

 

I want to quit before I’m fired.

 

I want to earn my complaint

by offending a customer

before they can imagine that I have.

 

I want to find a job

before the jobcentre tells me to.

 

I want to spit on the jobcentre crony

before she cuts off my financial help.

 

I want to give the jobcentre’s security guard

a real reason to “defend himself” from me.

 

etc.

 

but society always throws the first punch

and it’s boring being the victim:

downright tedious at this point.

 

I’d love to write a courageous poem

about how I’ve shaped my own life

but

this will have to make do.

 

as will I, you know?