“I Don’t Want to Perform”

Ray Bub

I don’t want to perform,
I don’t want to show off,
I don’t want to attract
Attention to myself.

Other people may shout,
Monopolizing the floor
I don’t want to be known,
Pointed out or asked for.

Avert your eyes, turn away,
Forget my face in your day.
Don’t listen to what I say—
Don’t obey.

I leave no mark, none to show.
No one knows what I know.
I come and go
Without rhymes or reasons.

I don’t ask I can’t tell,
Predict, remember or sell,
Transact, repay or recall;
I won’t want to perform at all.

Don’t look my way.
Forget me today.
Don’t listen when I say,
“Don’t obey…”