The Stranger Inside Me

Who is this stranger

and where does he dwell,

he follows like a shadow

appearing madder than Hell.

Everything is fine

and he’s happy as a toad,

but he’s always at the ready

so eager to unload.

Driving along enjoying the ride

not doing anything wrong,

then somebody cuts him off

and the stranger yells his song.

You dumb asshole

simple son of a bitch,

if he tries real hard

he can force him into a ditch.

A few deep breaths

and a mental time out,

he’s in hiding again

but still primed to shout.

Up ahead you see stop and go traffic

all backed up and stopped,

waiting for a girl on her cell phone

but her eyes have dropped.

She doesn’t care if

the whole world has to wait,

she’s talking to a friend

about what to wear on a date.

So out he steps from who knows where

and he raps on her window all pissed off,

and gives her his familiar deadly glare

but she puts up her hand and waves him off.

Hey little twit would you

like to make the damned turn,

but again he’s ignored

and she is about to learn.

This is the stranger

who follows me,

there’s much anger in him

and she’s going to pay a fee.

Without a moments notice

he pulls from his pocket,

a half inch drive ratchet

complete with a 2” socket.

He hits the window

and the glass does fly,

now she is alert

and thinking she is going to die.

He leans over into the car

and yells with a sneer,

are you going to move it now

or do I have to steer.

He’s back in his truck

now feeling very happy,

with his point now made

and memories of his daddy.

From somewhere way far off

I slowly begin to see,

there is no stranger

that stranger actually is me.

I can’t remember when

this jerk came into my life,

but he’s caused so much trouble

even cost me my family and wife.

Family picnics and BBQ’s

everyone happy with a big wide grin,

then a steak is dropped

and the creeks of Hells gates do begin.

I wanted it perfect

I wanted everything great,

but the damned stranger stepped in

and started to berate.

You big dumb shit

can’t you do anything right,

you ruined it all again

get out of my sight.

So take my warning

and listen to me,

if you see me coming

just let me be.

I have a stranger

who lives inside of me

and his name in mostly anger

and someone you don’t want to see.

Gary R Cramer

July 19, 2010