Stranger
It's like scraping your teeth on an old cheese grater
The falsehood of, 'I'll see you later.'
You know you won't. It's not the case
That later we'll meet face to face.
Why not 'Take care?' or try 'Goodbye.'
Take a risk. Give it a try.
​
And 'To be honest' makes we wince'
Are you now trying to convince
Me that
Since we've been talking all your chat
Has been a string of lies and sham?
Has there not been a single gram
Of truth in all you've said to me?
I recognise sincerity.
And stranger - I am not your 'mate.'
That word will only irritate.
I wish you wouldn't use the thing
You wouldn't say to Deng Xiaoping
'Alright mate?' if you should meet.
His guards would have you at his feet.
I feel a little circumspect
When hearing 'With all due respect.'
I'm thinking that it's not sincere.
It is the opposite I fear.
​
And please leave on the highest shelf
The misuse of the word 'myself.'
'Myself and Tony will be there.'
Oh will you? Well I do not care.
The pronoun is so overused
The English language so abused.
Why do I find these phrases odd?
I'm a pedantic, grumpy sod.
