Everyone has their pet peeves. I have compassion
For someone who is crabby. They may have issues
With the family. What I cannot tolerate
Is some person’s noise when I want to concentrate.
Rude behavior by others I cannot excuse.
Understanding of some people’s acts I have none.

The ones whose phones ring at the movie theater…
The unconscious snot suckers and all their gross sounds…
Those who interrupt always when I want to speak…
An escape from humanity is what I seek.
May I have this wish granted to me on the grounds
That I’m not really a deranged people hater?

I just want relief from being irritated.
I know that it’s much deeper than getting upset
Over little things. It’s way out of proportion
And indeed some soul searching will need to be done
To find out why I feel people are such a threat
To my peace. Can my angst be eliminated?

When I judge someone that impulse comes from deeper
In the psyche. My biggest fear is that I’ve no
Control over people so I subconsciously
Find fault with them. This disconnected part of me
Prevents the more enlightened part of me to grow.
Relief comes when I become my own peacekeeper.