How to Be Good

To be good, you do what you want
Done to you, or think that you do.

To be good, you do what you want
To do to you, or you try to.

To be good, you each check on you,
With this you, with that you, to see,

Or more to the point, to show off,
At least to show you, yes you’re good,

In this or that way, this or that
Act, debt, touch, god, vote, march, or gift.

You will not be forced out, you will
Not be shunned, not be loathed by you—

You can still feel proud, you have
Not failed, not brought shame, not you—

To get told, at least to feel seen,
By one or more of you, as good

As that one is good. You’re so good,
You tell a child. You want to be

Told, too. It’s a small hit, a rush,
A life check, a pat on the back,

On the head, in the head, in thoughts—
You’re good, you’re still good, it’s all good.