Elitism

Elitism

Hand over mouth Mensa laughing

Elitism, unlike battling upward,

hand over hand,

always mindful of the lessons.

Courtesy and respect -- never forget.

In courts of old, fair 

maids and noble men knew

twas best to hide

animal cunning, raw humanity

in flourishes and restrained manner.

Semaphore signaling

We know the game.

But respect, that is earned.

I respect that live flicker of

power, if I am smart,

I perceive behind the mask

of court or street corner.

Hard knocks do not make a fighter.

Hard times do not make a leader.

Surviving, learning the angles,

enjoining with compassion

along the way, while

keeping that edge keen and deadly,

improve chances

for rising above,

getting on the shortlist.

Neither evolution nor divine design,

but some essence common to both,

and the brilliant stories

dreams are made of.