You seem to seek approval when you’re coarse
or petulant. Rejecting self-control
you fling or rant, and want me to endorse
behavior that’s repellant. You’re not droll
and you’re not nice, and you’ll not earn respect
because your hair is gray and you have wealth.
I beg to disagree when you expect
me to applaud – that’s not the path to health.

So listen when a stranger reprimands
you acting up. If folks around you laugh,
they’re not appreciating your demands
so much as feeling awkward at your gaffe.
I hate such narratives. And I would say it,
but you’re too old for me to well convey it.