The Problem of “Should Be” and “Is”

A poem inspired by true events

I often reject what is :

I get annoyed

Or refuse to accept

And actual situation

Or reaction

Because I don’t think it should be

The way it is —

An angry outburst

A rude remark

Some irresponsible action

Someone is crying

But I don’t think they should be…

So often in those moments

I skip over empathy 

Or even basic observation of the event

And get annoyed,

The way I would with a toaster

That is plugged in but not turning on,

Like this person is a simple machine — 

Why isn’t it doing what I want? 

What I’m expecting it to do?

And the kicker is

I often know an undesirable reaction 

(crying, yelling, complaining, refusal)

Is likely 

(Especially if I know my actions 

Will trigger that typical outcome)

But I get reliably irritated nonetheless 

Because I imagine I would react differently 

Thanks to my superior understanding 

Of all facets of the issue

As if seeing clearly is even in my 

Top 5 Best Senses

When will I stop expecting 

The world to know my thoughts?

To naturally feel my emotions? 

To favor my position 

Once my move is made, 

My comment dispensed,

My judgment cast?

Who cares what I think should be

When what is 

Is in the way?