we decide
the stuff of which
we’re made
it is our
own self-image
that determines
how the world
will treat us
blame the victim
makes perfect sense
we define ourselves
against the stick
of others
too impressed
by another’s flash
to listen to
the inner soul
we have impressed
within us
too willing to accept
that if Theo
is dressed in velvet
we must be Eleanor
in tweed
—Don Whittington
Bread and Friday: Two Ways Into the Mermaid 