Too Much Obliged

We don’t like obligation. If
Science is a social construct,
Obligation surely is.

That stops no one being fierce
In demanding obligation
Of others, preaching

All are obligated, and
Occasionally suffering shame
And anxiety over meeting

Their own obligations,
As shifty and uncertain
As those may be. Shame

Is a human repurposing
Of social subordination
And fear of higher status apes,

A lovely new kind of dread
In which one carries the alpha
With you everywhere, displayed

As displaying, inside your head.
You have no obligations, silly
Animal. O be joyful, instead.