Not lying to self
Everyone around us
Said what we wanted
To all of those who said No
Deaf ears say No in return
©2026 Kevin Trent Boswell
Author’s Note: This is a tanka, a traditional extended form of Japanese haiku. In addition to the usual 5-7-5 syllable structure, it adds two more lines of 7 syllables each.
“Unlike haiku, which frequently focus strictly on nature, tanka heavily incorporates human relationships, deep feelings, and inner reflections.”
I’m pretty happy with this one. There are multiple ways to interpret it, and you can make varying inferences in the connecting lines by asking yourself what it means if you assume a different interpretation.
It’s also a nice afterthought for “Norms.”
Initially, I was just going to post the poem by itself, but I began thinking about the stark divisions in present day society, and how few people are advocating for compromise in anything.
In some cases, compromise is not the best choice. Democracy is under threat, personal freedoms are at risk, and the wealthy are exploiting the poor. But apart from these moral battlegrounds, not every social issue needs to be a hill to die on.
I present to you the following images for your consideration. If you’re honest, you’ll admit that some of them strike you as acceptable and appropriate, while others bother you in some way, however slightly, regardless of how much you may tell yourself it shouldn’t bother you.
I’m not pushing a specific narrative here, no Liberal or Conservative agenda. I honestly can’t stomach either side.
I used to consider myself a Liberal, always voted Democratic. But in the last few years, they’ve become just as bad about toeing the party line, not factchecking anything, and being just as judgmental as the political Right, only about different issues.
That said, I would rather gouge out my eyes and eat them than be a Republican. There’s no political place for someone like me to stand, so I’ve opted out of the whole thing. Both parties want to destroy me, just in different ways.
I no longer have any use whatsoever for labels like Conservative, Liberal, Socialist, Republican, Democrat, Progressive, Centrist, or Libertarian.
Every one of these contains some truth, and each one of them is missing the mark in many ways. Modern-day polarization is at an epic level of stupidity.
- “Traditional gender roles are oppressive, even for those who genuinely WANT them,” OR “Traditional gender roles are the only acceptable way to be”
- “Gender is a construct” OR “Going against your assigned gender is wrong or unnatural”
- “LGBTQ is not only okay, but it’s preferable” OR “LGBTQ is immoral”
- Misandry OR Misogyny – both are real and both do immeasurable harm; anyone who says otherwise is a liar, not a good human being
- “Races shouldn’t mix” OR “It actually shows that you’re a better person if you date outside your own race”
- “Immigrants shouldn’t be here at all” OR “We should let everyone in, even while people who were born here are struggling, homeless, and hungry”
- “Religion is the opiate of the masses. Do away with it” OR “Put bibles in every classroom”
Nobody cares about the middle ground anymore. Everyone thinks in absolutes, and they want you to think in all-or-nothing dichotomies, too.
My Philosophy:
Everyone, shut the fuck up and mind your own goddamn business.
If what others are doing is consensual and legal, if everyone involved seems happy (not under duress), then it’s literally none of your business.
Stop trying to force people to do things the way you do them.
Stop trying to force others to be comfortable with your beliefs and practices. Nobody owes you their comfort, acceptance, or support.
These days, it’s popular to see people slandering the way others live their lives. These same people usually turn around and reveal just how toxic they are themselves.
They slam someone else for thinking or doing things in a certain way, but then they show how they psychologically, emotionally, physically, or financially manipulate the people around them.
It’s not necessary to approve of other people’s lifestyles. You are allowed to dislike the things others do. You are only required to keep your opinions to yourself.
Unless someone is being compelled against their will or coerced under undesired pressure, leave them alone. If they want your help, they’ll ask. Unless someone is forcing themselves on someone else, be an adult and mind your business.
END OF OLD MAN RANT.
Carry on.
