I Know Better

A Poem by Sam Grackle

I hammer through
breaking my way through
rock and sand
I slough off every
word of advice
because I know,
yes, I know
what I am doing.
Still, I know better,
these little messages
tight and packaged
perfect for me
they try to tell me
the way forward
a better way
but I don’t listen
I hear and I try
and I want to make
my own way,
but I know better.
I tip the third drink
up and back
and say the word
she wants to hear
I sleep in
to my cat’s dismay
and I eat only
what tastes fine.
Still sometimes
I know better
a choice is made
again and again
maybe next time
I’ll choose up
toward a better life
because after all
I know better.

Thank you for reading.