Grievance

The key to letting yourself be cruel
Is convincing yourself that others
Have already been more cruel to you.

Not all of you need the permission.
Some have the power to be cruel first
And itemize grievances later.

A few appear to be powerless
To command themselves to do cruel things
Even when cruel things are done to them.

But it does seem the majority
Of pleasant people are simmering
In a private au jus of grievance,

Just a little something, bit of stock
Kept on the back burner, good for stews,
Handy right now, if you feel accused.