Ode to the Petty Tyrant

Published in Living Now Magazine Jan 2013

"Sweet are the uses of adversity
which like the toad ugly and venomous
wears yet a precious jewel in his head."

Act 2, Scene 1, 'As You Like It' William Shakespeare

Your goal is power over others. Your need arises from a deep seated lack of self worth and self love. Your method is manipulation. Your currency is fear and guilt.

You are the boss who subtly takes credit for another's work, not by claiming it outright but by simply failing to correct an incorrect assumption.

You are the ex husband who uses money as a way to manipulate and control your ex wife, the one who you supposedly loved and probably still do. You are the ex wife who uses the children to get back at your ex husband by making them doubt their own father.

You will never attack me directly, or choose to fight in public for your public face and ever so often trotted out story is the one of the victim. "Oh poor me" you wail to all who will listen "You'll never guess what so and so has done now..."

You lead me to the brink of desp…