Just for the sake of saying "hello"

Courtesy garden variety/generic common Joe

who strives to achieve becoming

(even posthumously)

an esteemed writer likened to outstanding poe

whit – perhaps illusions

of grandeur must be reined in

courtesy horse sense and Whoa!

A short time ago today

(the ides of March 2021)

upon returning from nearest LIDL

(located at 1831 E Ridge Pike,

Royersford, Pennsylvania 19468

Latitude: 40.1845 Longitude: -75.5360),

I realized too late the opportunity

to exchange pleasant greetings

with another resident (a young man,

who shares a similar physique

to yours truly).

Preoccupied removing comestibles -

predominantly nine plastic

gallon jugs of distilled water

(tightly packed within large suitcase,

which luggage formerly

belonged to Boyce Harris - papa)

the notion occurred

(ex post facto).

Cursory aforementioned observation,

(viz forfeited interpersonal opportunity)

unexpectedly impetus awoke

regarding said unnamed bloke
(who I've seen scant

number of times before)

friendly exchange thus didst evoke

idea to craft poem,

cuz pleasant demeanor

generates figurative chain reaction

livingsocial among other

(mostly elderly) folk

here at Highland Manor

this credo to befriend others I invoke

(by Dickens) with little

or no great expectations

motivates me to risk

playing game of life no joke,

but good humor a masterstroke,

one generic American notes tis oak

kay for yours truly not to poke

intrusively, (albeit rudely

he thinks) and possibly also stoke

antipathy by ignoring

formalities of pleasantness

in either case saddle and yoke

me with unflattering

nom de plume.

Additionally I will allow

enable, and provide tolerance

if recipient of mine genuine

companionable intent

declines overture as potential

future bosom buddy

and/or sounding board,

plus will defend self

against blistering, excoriating, scathing...

metaphorical nonetheless hurtful assaults

against mine brow

will not figurative undermine

paltry self esteem, but endow

redoubled effort to risk

making acquaintance(s) and consort

with persons who cross my path

their nose in the air

trumpeting arrogance and how

never be deterred toward livingsocial

such personal promise I vow.