in a room full of people
   i become quite aware
i eavesdrop on conversations
i spot liars
   braggarts
and introverts
  i notice the ashamed
   afraid
bold
and confident
i glance towards
a boastful laugh
coming from an ill equipped
sloth of a man
who uses insults
to bring down the weak
while strengthening his armor
of ignorance at the same time

women bat eyelids at the handsome
   men fumble words and trip over feet
to get close to the beautiful
   sincerity is overlooked
kindness is scoffed at
   the bland aren't noticed
the flamboyant produce
   chuckles of disdain

a typical saturday night
amongst a zoo of people
where cost of admission
is a dose
of self respect.