You’re in Trouble If You Need It Bad, Worse If They Need It Worse

Everyone’s so desperate
And desperately afraid
Of being more desperate,

Worse, the most desperate one
In any situation,
From romantic persuasion

To bartering, to ceasefire
Negotiations—to just
Needing more desperately

Whatever it is—shelter,
Food, safe passage, affection,
Dignity, status, respect—

That one desperately needs,
That one desperately wants.
Shame, revenge begin and end

Within felt desperation,
That shame of desperation
Drip-feeding bitter anger

At humiliation. Hear
How easily it happens,
The curdling in the language

Of anyone made aware
They’re the desperate ones here,
Desperately aware of it.