Category: Self-Analysis

This brings super-consternation;
Makes me hold my head and groan–
Evidence of dissipation
Other than my own.

by Ray Romine Sunday, December 24, 1950

To be told I’m not mad, I’m just angry
Makes me do a back-flip inside.
There’s one way of knowing: watch the tantrum I’m throwing–
Then YOU be the one to decide!

by Ray Romine Tuesday, February 2, 1954

He who waits for inspiration
Or a sunny day
Ends him up in some small station
By the weed-grown way.

It’s the type who says “Let’s Do Itl”
Though he is but one,
Makes it look like nothing to it
While he Gets Things Done.

How nice to be Type One or Two–
I’m just between them–aren’t you?

by Ray Romine Tuesday, October 19, 1948

Exceptional? I am, a bit,
And further ready to admit
I’m brilliant, talented and witty,
Till asked to serve on your committee.

by Ray Romine Thursday, July 12, 1951

The indifference I feel
Upon scanning “Who ‘s Who”
I shall no doubt conceal
When I’m in there, tool

by Ray Romine Monday, May 21, 1945

I don’t have a lot of talent,
And I own about a dime;
Still I’m not so full of envy,
For I ‘m rather glad I’m I’m.

You may wade in countless shekels,
Be content and witty too;
Yet I wouldn’t trade you places,
For– it’s obvious– you’re you.

I’ll not hide beneath the bushel–
Nor retire upon a shelf–
There is hope, and plenty of it,
If one sort of likes oneself!

by Ray Romine Monday, September 8, 1947

Some gain calluses through toil;
Others burn the midnight oil
Bringing research to a boil
All worthwhile, and no recoil.

But who’s the one who wastes his time
Making with the pointless rhyme
Worth less than a Tinker’s dime?
Right the first guess, pardner–I’m!

by Ray Romine Monday, September 4, 1950

I dream my dreams;
I live my life;
I spoil my kids;
I love my wife.

I smoke too much,
And (great temptation)
Overate–
Before inflation.

I like a laugh;
Dislike to frown;
One day I’m up–
The next, I’m down.

I hate to walk;
I’m quite informal,
And int’resting?
Huh-uh. Too normal.

by Ray Romine Thursday, April 19, 1951

My ego soars in mild surprise
At interest deep in other eyes.
True kindred soul, who can condone
The folly I’d thought mine alonel

by Ray Romine Tuesday, September 11, 1951

Who wants to live, and yet who doesn’t dare
Enjoy the hidden pleasures of the night;
Who keeps his mind immaculately white,
His eyes averted, safe from every pair
Of nyloned legs; whose one and only care
Pursues a course he vaguely knows as “right”,
May wait too long before he sees the light.
Who can be fair who to himself’s unfair?

Then, after time has passed, he starts to chide
His friends and neighbors on the way they grew
Into their evil ways ignoring this:
He may be but a jelly-fish beside
The honest man who, on some slender clue,
Parts with his soul for just one deadly kiss!

by Ray Romine Friday, August 16, 1946