random universe defined

if the world, the universe

are not attuned to my needs

then all being must be random

somehow smacks of arrogance

on my part

the assumption of a small child

that, if unsatisfied, i need only

whine and cry, and my desires

should be met

there can be no purpose to existence

if it is not centered upon me

glaring standard

friends with mettle tell me

only after i ask

what calamities

have near-felled them

their courage not to whine

makes all the more glaring

and pathetic the current standard

of men’s behavior

neo-philosophies beyond ‘greed is good’

to blow your own horn sells more and

     selling is the point of life

to humiliate the disabled is amusing

to disparage other’s accomplishments

     proves I am superior

to turn might onto those weaker is not

     bullying but self-defense

to declare vengeance negates

     responsibility to seek solution

to whine and bitch are manly behaviors

blame un-game

wrestling with pique over restrictions

and weariness of exile

mumbling, fretting, whining among ourselves

deciding we are put upon and liking victimhood

we attack

but who - in a pandemic - deserves to be blamed?