How to make friends with effluence, people

Keep straight faced
when they tell you stories
under no circumstances laugh

don't even smile.

Stand in parks
and watch their children play football
tell them all individually
they have no talent
they will never play for the team
whose replica shirt they wear.

Let rats loose
in their homes
and as you lay in bed
think of the damage
to their skirting boards
the droppings on the carpet
the fridge full of food
with nibbled corners.

Now allow yourself
that smile.