ON PUTTING LABELS ON EACH OTHER

There are types among us
hard not to label
or be labelled
by something
said or done
since we are
each in our own way
cast in the mould
of those who came before us,
who blazed trails and left
their traits behind for us to wear.

To nickname is a game
we play upon each other
enemies or friends;
it keeps in check
our perspectives
reduces down to size
the bloated images
that inflate our minds
of worth
well beyond
our measure.

So, here’s to
stereotyping
nicknames
and labels
for all of us who think
we are so much better
than we really are.