He despised stupidity
A self proclaimed genius
That only brought him deep loneliness
– and anger
“Why can’t you be smarter?” he railed
to no one and everyone
He tried beating the stupid out
but that only brought bruising
He tried cajoling, threats
but they only brought confusion, fear

He preferred old shirts
with holes and stains
to hide his greatness
that no doubt shone
He walked humbly
and talked mercilessly
and made impressions everywhere
like litter in a forest

He was a tyrant at meals
a dictator with subordinates
a pig with women
yet was sweetly tortured

A poetic despot he remains