Decoder Poem #2

When they say
Everything happens
for a reason
They really mean
Better you than me

When they say
Beauty’s in the eye
of the beholder
They really mean
They ain’t beholding

When they say
It’s not about the
money owed
It’s the principle
of the matter
They really mean
Money is principal
& they’re looking
to charge interest

When they say
When your number’s up
you’re number’s up
They really mean
They don’t think much

When they say
Practice makes perfect
They really mean
You’ve got zero
natural talent

When they say
I’ll take it to
the grave with me
They really mean
Whoever did wrong
has nothing
to worry about

When they say
Are you a smoker?
after you say
you have cancer
They really mean
Please say yes
so I can feel safe
P.S. I couldn’t care less

When they say
Call me when you get there
They really mean
Don’t call me
if you have a problem
getting there

When they say
God never gives
you more than
you can handle
They really mean
You’ve suffered
irreparable damage

When they say
You’ve got nothing to lose
They really mean
What you have to lose
means nothing to me

When they say
I don’t mind dying
it’s what comes before
that I’m afraid of
They really mean
All aspects of death
terrify them

When they say
Fuck you
They really mean
What they say

Ted Jonathan is a poet and short story writer. Raised in the Bronx, he now lives in New Jersey. His collection of poems and short stories Bones & Jokes was published by NYQ Books (2009). His poetry collection Run was published by NYQ Books (2016). He can be contacted at theodorejon@yahoo.com