Self Love

When I love myself
I am small and thoughtful
And don’t use much space
Or oxygen.

I am a man who listens well
When I love myself
And then am critical of my narcissism,
My need for attention and affirmation,
The immense amount of work it takes me
Just to keep this tall, fumbling man with bad manners
And nose hair
Alive and safe.

The impact of truths exposed
Will not always be pleasant or good.
Appraising one’s self-criticality
Is not always pretty
All of which makes self-love a challenge
But commends the object of the man’s affections
To high self-regard for his honesty.