The Sociopath's Prayer

I have tried not to want to write about you,

But that's most of what a poet is.

I have tried not to push you toward those verses.

I have not pushed you into pushing away.

I have no reason to think you've read between the lines,

Except the intellect I'm so quick to praise,

Which is my reason to think that you know what I am,

Besides a poet.

I have the toddler's primer on wanting what I want,

and the Republican Party's primer on getting it.

What I want now is for you to stand by me,

Because you've been feeding the side of me

That doesn't want to burn.