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Half the people we meet are less than average.

I wave my shaggy head around and

grunt

no prey

mm (declaratory)

like Angelina's Lara Croft.

But not for long.

 

something tasty springs

unbidden

to senses ranging

 

sniff

look,

listen

 

ah!

 

ideas unquestioned

beliefs inherited

truths imbued

 

I stalk,

poise,

quiver my bottom

and pounce!

 

For the throat.

 

Quivering ideology's blood

slakes my thirst for death

of all mediocre thinking.


— weirdelf, Mar 12, 2010

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Sydney, Australia, AUS

Favorite Poets: The Romantics, The Mersey Sound, The Beats and, of course, The Bard

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More from this author

Critiques

Kailashana

Kailashana

16 years 2 months ago

I’m reminded of an oldie,

I'm reminded of an oldie, if it looks like shite, smells like shite, chances are it's shite and one doesn't have to taste it to know. Jess, you are a man for all my seasons, too bad I'm not younger and Australian. ;-) ~A "A poem is never finished, only abandoned." ~ Paul Valery
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

there is no such thing as age or nationality

but the airfares between Ohio and Australia only kooka can circumvent. Have I mentioned I am only a man and so deadly jealous I pettily don't even comment on poems of a... grunt... rival? Cheers, Jess, reprehensibly irrepressible
Mark

Mark

16 years 2 months ago

Hunting?

lol people hunt around here to kill off overstock that can become dangerous .. it is why the hunter feels no guilt (usually) and still there are rules lol rules like when, where not and of course some "how to" lmao Mark FlexAbilities
xena465

xena465

16 years 2 months ago

I like this stanza. Reminds

I like this stanza. Reminds me of my sisters cat Sasha, that she swore was tame, even when I found myself afraid to look at it, and when I stroked it, it bit me. I stalk, poise, quiver my bottom and pounce! For the throat. Rosina xena465
LC

Lenny of Cohen

16 years 2 months ago

Kool Stuff

Jess! Wicked write and was it right? YES!!! Bravo!!! Lenny be rebellious!
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

do I think what?

The title is half a joke, that's what average means, it's a truism but we seldom think about it. Cheers, Jess, reprehensibly irrepressible
L

lyz

16 years 2 months ago

Dear Weirdelf

I smiled as I read, a little fun, and yes, a little wicked, but a great read. Love Lyz. XX
DawningDaytripper

DawningDaytripper

16 years 2 months ago

So the title is a complete

So the title is a complete turnoff. Even if true. No I can't deny it. But drawing it attention and talking down to such, from the standpoint of an animalistic poetry. You know I got the funny, and the pacing. But I still don't get you. What ever. Hope that wasn't offending, I am trying. I recognize the quality and time. I just have basic philosophical idea differances. And when you put the light on this I don't think the derogatory title or implications are near as funny as... well it would be if it weren't so.....snobbish. I think I am saying it's snobby elf, or I am sorry your animalistic poetic portrait is snobby. Not personal. Just my impressions, I could have just liked it. But I am sorry, when it get down to it I am just as compelled to be honest as you. I think that some tweaking of the title could change my whole perception. Truthfully to show you I understood the write, I had to challenge you. Going for the throat and all. Not bad, not bad at all. Julie D.D.
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

What you don't seem to be getting

is the subtext that I am challenging all the politically correct, spiritual "codes" that say we shouldn't judge. It's just another thing that most people think we shouldn't say. Don't get me wrong on political correctness in general, I love it, a most powerful force for social change. And almost nobody is "below average" in every respect, I know I am in many. But we do judge. Often within a minute of meeting someone. And we are usually right, to determine who we like to hang out with and listen to. The surface text here referred to one of my pet peeves, shallow thinking. The subtext is that we have a right to judge for ourselves. Cheers, Jess, reprehensibly irrepressible
DawningDaytripper

DawningDaytripper

16 years 2 months ago

Much clearer Jess. Thanks

Much clearer Jess. Thanks for that, it was very helpful in understanding were it was inspired. And now I can see what is going on. I still plan to fight sterotypes. But I shall expect you to keep pushing the buttons. Julie D.D.
whitetea

whitetea

16 years 2 months ago

devour

And long live that instinct, my friend.
loved

loved

16 years 2 months ago

LOVELY THOUGHTS

PEOPLE OF YOUR KIND ARE BORN ONCE IN A LONG LONG LONG TIME . OTHERS ARE IN THE MEANTIME SIMPLY FORGOTTEN THEY ALL ARE ROTTEN ROTTEN ROTTEN GR8888888 IDEAS SIR AVE YOU I LEARN MY WORTH FROMUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU I AM, UNFIT TO RATE SUCH A GREAT HUMANPERSONALITY OF SUCH A RARE BRAND AND SO VERY KIND
loved

loved

16 years 2 months ago

CORRECTION TYPO

FOR AVE PL DO READ AS HAVE THANKS WISH TO LEARN POETRY FROM U IF U ????????????
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

Loved, your insane rantings

and wallowing in your own verbal defecation are not appreciated. I wish I could help but I can't. Get professional help. For a start try commenting only on the works of the many "fans" you claim to have. And if you must comment, don't shout. TYPING ALL IN CAPS IS SHOUTING. No-one likes to be shouted at. You are not "loved" here since abusing me for not giving you the feedback you wanted.Go away. Jess, “A poet’s work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep” Salman Rushdie
M

magics02

16 years 2 months ago

Necessary...

I guess it is to her or him whoever loved is but all poets should be loved for what they are not what one wants them to be something someone else wants them to be. Everyone is an individual and should be treated with respect and courtesy in spite of personal viewpoints. If someone would take the time to help loved (and thank you for the ones that are helping her) instead of throwing her to the waste side maybe you could share some of your knowledge with her to help her succeed. She may be the next bestseller. Everyone deserves a chance and let us all be reminded of just that. IMHO Mona
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

Deleted some inappropriate comments here

Just need to say that Loved has hounded me in the past, and been abusive and I've asked her to stay away, still my comment was way over the top. Jess, “A poet’s work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep” Salman Rushdie
M

magics02

16 years 2 months ago

So why

Did you choose to delete the comment towards me and still leave the one about Loved? Just thought I would ask as I have a copy of the comment you left me. Hmmmmmmmm
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

simply because you can't edit or delete a comment

that has received a direct reply. See "Edit" appears under some comments of your own, but not ones that someone has replied to directly? It was your direct reply, as opposed to posting a separate comment, that stopped me from be able to edit my comment to Loved. Remember, there was a history to my outburst that you didn't know about when you stuck your nose in. Perhaps something to think about when deciding whether to post a comment or a reply. Jess
M

magics02

16 years 2 months ago

I will comment as I see fit

You want to keep bugging me Elf? I will comment on anyones poem I shall want to you are not my father or my husband and have no right to stay in my business for that matter. I am tired of your little teachings that mean nothing to me. You never helped me in here and that is fine. All you ever did was nag me like an old lady and call me some cruel names, shall I post that for you in a separate blog or shall you continue your shananigans with me. Policy is policy here and you for one do not adhere to it. I do not care how many friends you help on here, you are outright rude to me that's what I think with your comments and I told you this weekend I am not playing your silly games, Get over yourself allready and when I come into chat you can greet me or not but leave me alone with your harassing words and your comments. I see a man that has hatred for some in here and if that is a good critiquer then I don't know what the hell it is. Sounds to me you have some problems with woman perhaps, I don't know and personally I do not give a darn any longer. I am not going to sit back and take your abuse or your nastiness so go bug someone else allready, leave me alone to write what I want and deal with others any which way you wish, just remember all poets here deserve a chance at civility and it all starts with you and everyone else. Why do you continue your madness all the time. I never did a damn thing to you, treated you with respect and all, with your teasing me and all your so called loving comments, to me this here is not a friendship I care to be involved with. I am not trying to be mean I am being mean here and it is always you who never let's it go. My son treats me with respect and however you see me is how you see me, don't chastise me and apologize and then come back and do it again. This is an old game that kids play and I am not a child. You need to understand about humans a little bit more then you do. You started this and I expect you to end it, for good this time!! You may have a history of outbursts but how long are you going to take that and just how far? It is getting too old now. Perhaps something you should think about when deciding whether to post a comment or a reply. I know just how to use this site as far as deleted comments and editing them. I am not stupid Elf, somehting you can not seem to get out of your head. And for that matter I do not delete anything I write for I am not ashamed or two faced to say what I need to say. And then have to delete it. I don't play those games with words and/or with poeple. Loved did not deserve to be told she wasnt loved and to go away, that is why it irked me that you even had the nerve to tell anyone on here for that matter to go away. Pure disrepect! Thank you and I would appreciate you keep your feelings to yourself from now on. I am not backing down from you. Once, twice and three times your out!! at the old ballgame. Get that? And after it is all done and over with remember forgiveness and kindness go alot further then strife and unpleasantness. Just read some of my poems, and maybe you will see where I come from and where I am going. Thank you for taking the time to read this rant and rave. Day three... Magics02
M

magics02

16 years 2 months ago

My oh my Elf you attacking me again here?

Look Jess let us get this straight, I have had enough of this rant and rave you present to me here all the time. First of all I am not a saint never claimed to be one, I am me and if you don't like me then get over it allready. I do not bother you here after your last altercation via net with me so why you continue this? I do know what the heck I am talking about so leave me alone if you have nothing respectful to say to me. I take your comment above as a personal vendetta or rant and rave whatever you may call it and I am asking you to please refrain yourself and your anger or animosities towards me for it is old school news by now and I do not have time for it. Read your comment out loud here it is What would saint mona have done? I am sick of your trite “goodness” too. I suggest you try to understand a situation before trying to be a saint in the eyes of all, it only makes you look a fool. Is this not a personal allegation of someones character Mr. Jess? Are you not doing to me what you say people constantly do to you? Talk about double standards wow I do not need a college education to figure this one out. You want to throw your weight around here when you feel it is your turn to do so. Just remember not all readers accept it and I for one as you know from the past interactions with you do not appreciate it. And for this I say to you this is unacceptable. Do not continue your raving madness towards me for whatever the reason or reasons are and I shall not to be bothered or harassed by such behaviors. Tonight in the chat in which I have not been on there much you tell me not to call the chat sessions class, test,or session. Whenever I go in there you make some negative remark to me or accusatory or ill mannered comment. Yes this is a workshop you know like in a classroom atmosphere. What gives you the right to even request of me to stop calling it that? If you can not say anything positive or negative towards my work then please do not bother me anymore, that is a simple trite statement from me. Please do not continue your words as I do not have time to go back and forth with someone on the net that I shall never meet. Of all the people I have come to know here you have been the only one to always throw your weight around at me and accuse me of being ignorant, my bad poetry and you know all the other things you have called me. So a word to you once again making this public, please refrain from visiting my page or commenting on my comments to others. Lastly but not least I do have alot of poets I have come to know and enjoy and have honest feedback with. You say your sick of my trite goodness have i commented on your poems or something or have you stalked me and read all my comments to others. I have not bothered you in no way,shape or form so why do you continue this. I will TELL YOU MY GOODNESS IS WHOLESOME GOODNESS and not the goodness that you are waving around here. I take your comments as rude and unnessacary(sp) and you know I was going to just ignore this stuff once again but decided not to. Take it or leave it I do not really care anymore for I feel you are always badgering me and I am tired of the game. Period is over and class is dismissed. Mona
xena465

xena465

16 years 2 months ago

Well said Mona. Jess’s

Well said Mona. Jess's comment to Loved was totally out of order and to you, was in very bad taste!!!! Jess did help me to improve my writing and I thank him for that and he was very nice with his comment on my new poems, as long as I wrote them his way. As soon as I posted one that he didn't like he attacked me verbally and started a whole lot of Sh** between him and Troy. Rosina xena465
M

magics02

16 years 2 months ago

I understand Xena

You know I have one person on this whole site that does this and it is he. There is no need for the words for sure, people talk about being attacked on here and then they do just the same thing to others, kind of crazy you know. I do not really care if he does or anyone does not like my poetry, it is a part of life, but when words as such attack a character of a person that is called libel, slander, false accusations, and in Florida there are laws for suit for that. usually I can dismiss someones attitude towards me and let it go but I am tired of the constant mouth at me. I can not even visit in chat room anymore without a rude comment or derogatory remark. For today I say blow to the wind and let it go for we are not of this nature and when it bothers you speak truth back, after all they are words but allegation words and rudeness. I call it very disrespectful if you can appreciate that. Well enough of this triteness. LOL Love you and keep up your writing dearest lady xxoxoxoxoox Mona
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

my apologies to loved and magics

blew a fuse again eh. Rosina I will respect your wishes and offer no further feedback Cheers, Jess, “A poet’s work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep” Salman Rushdie
xena465

xena465

16 years 2 months ago

Yes I think that would be

Yes I think that would be best all round for the sake of peace. Rosina xena465
Jonathan Moore

Jonathan Moore

16 years 2 months ago

This comment is about the comments, not the poem

Because as I read the comments and the inevitable: "Help! Help! I'm being repressed! See the violence inherent in the system!" clamouring for sympathy and pity I laughed aloud at the stupidity of it. No one here is forced to comment on any other person's work yet people still go out of their way to claim offense. Dear God, I wish I had that kind of time. Jess, you need not follow my rule but as far as I am concerned, anyone who comments on my work can either deal with the consequences or scuttle away to play a in more satisfying sandbox. When I comment on the work of others I will do my best to respect their wishes. When it is my work, they are expected to return the favour. If they do not, all bets are off and I will post anything I desire in the commentary of my own work and the sooner they are offended into leaving me the hell alone, the happier I will be. --Jonathan Annoying the world, one person at a time (Group discounts available)
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

People can say anything they like about my work,

I invariably tick "Raw Truth". It's comments on comments (yours excepted because it made sense and was not an insane rant) that I am having trouble keeping my cool about. Several times lately when what could have been a lively and interesting debate turned nasty and personal I've just shutup and gone away. Well, mostly, crikey, if I pull my head in any further I'll turn into a turtle. Cheers, Jess, “A poet’s work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep” Salman Rushdie
Jonathan Moore

Jonathan Moore

16 years 2 months ago

This comment is about the poem

Firstly, I loved the title. It's one of those truths that people go out of their way to claim is offensive. People are threatened by truths, especially when it doe snot mesh with their view that they are a special snowflake. They are so wrapped up in demanding validation for their special status that any hint it might not be so is characterised as an attack against them personally. I must admit, this used to concern me and I would do my best to explain there was not personal slight intended but I've tired of that un-winnable battle and have opted rather just to be amused and enjoy the show they provide. It's not that I am bitter, it's that I am bitter and cynical. However, the last stanza of the poem stumbled for me. --------------------------- Quivering ideology’s blood slakes my thirst for death of mediocre thinking. ----------------------------- Taken line by line there is nothing wrong. Taken as a stanza line 2 and 3 create a jarring read due to the change in focus of the grammar. My initial thought was to insert "the" before "death" in line 2 but that sucked. The image in line 2 is strong and direct and adding "the" to the line made it too soft. So I looked at line 3 and thought about inserting "all" before "mediocre." That I like. to me it strengthen the already direct message and smooths out the grammar. So, recast, it would look like this: ------------------------------- Quivering ideology’s blood slakes my thirst for death of all mediocre thinking. ------------------------------- Just my thoughts and ideas. Use what makes sense or ignore any and all of it. We are peers and peers can't be offended by honest review. Jonathan Annoying the world, one person at a time (Group discounts available)
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

you nailed it!

Both in overall content and those lines which were bothering me too, but couldn't see the fix. Change happening, Thanks, Jess, “A poet’s work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep” Salman Rushdie
Fleur MacDonald

Fleur MacDonald

16 years 2 months ago

It is true to say,

that "Loved" shouted their comment. And there is nothing worse than a shouted comment!! Even I would take offence!! Or is it because your finger is stuck to the Caps Lock???????? :)
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

I over-reacted, and have a "history" with her,

and I would have gone back and edited it to be less offensive but couldn't cos magics had replied to my comment. Great to see you Fleur, how"s it going? And rants and tantrums aside, let's get back to the poetry eh, just checked out your new Anzac one. very good. Is the painting viewable online? Cheers, Jess, “A poet’s work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep” Salman Rushdie
Nordic cloud

Nordic cloud

16 years 2 months ago

we tend to generalise, as aye,

Firstly I loved the way this poem had such strange juxtaposed thoughts mixing for example the bottom twitching up with philosophical ranting, not verging on nonsense but with the elements of nonsense doing a dance of their own in time to your thoughts, listen.....and I did. Timing too was enjoyable, in fact I liked this oddity of a poem for itself; and I am not against debating these generalisations in the open but.....a little dissertation on my own thoughts about people:- Honourable Sir. And yet the criteria is biased, we tend to generalise, as aye, and forget to see the qualities that are not so lauded in our times. The knowledge of the farmer is to itself an art, which, having perhaps (in the past) no basic education in the respected norm, is considered less intelligent, but of course this is not perhaps what you mean by your title. I never like to categorise people or compare them to averages, each individual person, in their own way has something particular to express in their being, their life, and if one finds the key to open their thoughts and digs deep enough, helping their confidence in themselves at the same time, then there are more surprises than one cares to admit. What do you mean by average? We all have average traits, we are all different, we all have our own lives. I know someone who says 99% of all people are nincompoops, well I don't like that being said, and it belittles my opinion of them rather than those criticised. Debatable? Eh Weird Elf! Ann
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

Glad you enjoyed it and that it provoked thoughts.

This is one of those poems that grew from the title. Someone made that statement in conversation and it struck me at once that it was absolutely true and yet many, as Jonathon said, would find it offensive. As you so lucidly state some traits can not be averaged yet on the other hand many things even out. I chased it down one of my pet avenues, yet could as well have addressed spatial or physical prowess, both aspects in which I am myself somewhat deficient. By following the aspect of deep reasoned thought perhaps half the people we meet are less than average, but whose fault is that? A society that feeds consumerism and instant gratification over reason and contemplation? Yes, much to debate and think about, thanks for your response, Cheers, Jess, “A poet’s work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep” Salman Rushdie
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

true, true,

as I have said elsewhere, where we fit in is by being outsiders. Cheers, Jess, “A poet’s work; to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it going to sleep” Salman Rushdie
Race_9togo

Race_9togo

16 years 2 months ago

Hey Jess

"Several times lately when what could have been a lively and interesting debate turned nasty and personal I’ve just shutup and gone away." LOL I noticed. Not a bad thing, really, I suppose. But given the rather paranoid reactions of some people to posts lately (lately? LMAO) Its probably a good thing. Did anybody else get the feline metaphor here in this piece, or am I (once again) way behind the curve? Or is it so obvious that no one bothered to comment on it? Heehee. Meow baby, You described my two foolish felines down to a tee, rumps quivering and all, and the image of you (facial forest and all) getting ready to pounce on some unsuspecting fool is priceless. I really enjoyed this piece, Respectfully Jim "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

glad you got it!

Yes that, that bottom quiver before pounce is a perfectmetaphor to me for my fun-based yet serious attacks! Cheers, Jess, Screw copyright, my poetry belongs to the world, no charge, property is theft. But an acknowledgment might be nice.
Race_9togo

Race_9togo

16 years 2 months ago

Almost forgot

"Political correctness" is garbage. Truth, although often painful, is immutable, in the context of the title of this piece. Most human being ARE less than mediocre, and that IS an unfortunate Truth. That does not mean that they are worthless, it just means that they are clutter, the layered bric-a-brac that daily turns our lives into obstacle courses of avoidance and occasional confrontation. And hey, if you find my post offensive (heehee) you really do have to ask yourself where you are on the bell curve of mediocrity and shallowness. Have a good one. Respectfully Jim "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race
Seren

Seren

16 years 2 months ago

LMAO Jim ~!I am being haved

LMAO Jim ~! I am being haved lol thanks for the giggle though needed a laugh ~! Love and laughter JayCee
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

Political correctness, when not gone mad

is a great tool for social change. But find your comments offensive? [laughs] Who wrote the poem? LOL Cheers, Jess, Screw copyright, my poetry belongs to the world, no charge, property is theft. But an acknowledgment might be nice.
Race_9togo

Race_9togo

16 years 2 months ago

;D

Respectfully Jim "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race
M

Mariposa

16 years 2 months ago

Liked it!

I liked how the title didn't try to be positive and happy happy saying most peole have above average traits in them. And I felt like I was on the prowl when I read your poem! -Jhena Mariposa
Nordic cloud

Nordic cloud

16 years 2 months ago

Ann of Norway Somewhere you

Ann of Norway Somewhere you ask if anybody got the feline metaphor and i did not as your hair has the right characteristics here for your poem and it dominated the picture in my head, of your head, and well you could wiggle you back-side now couldn't you? It is typical of the cat of course and that is so fascinating to watch. This poem suddenly takes on a special kind of dance for me and I love it the more for understanding it, if your picture was not included I might have pounced on it at once!!!! Miaouw Ann.
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

not just my pic, I make reference to my shaggy head in the poem

perhaps think lion rather than domesticated feline. They still wiggle their bottoms before pouncing, it's physics- reduces the initial inertia before the leap. Cheers, Jess, Screw copyright, my poetry belongs to the world, no charge, property is theft. But an acknowledgment might be nice.
DloganB

DloganB

16 years 2 months ago

NICE

Very enjoyable and playful
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

We are animals

We share 98% of our DNA with chimps and... em 80% of it with cabbages. [smiles] Cheers, Jess, Screw copyright, my poetry belongs to the world, no charge, property is theft. But an acknowledgment might be nice.
Z

ziggy

16 years 2 months ago

hi

hi , after reading all those comments i had to go back and read the poem again lol nicely worded ,,,,,,ziggy
Barbara Writes

Barbara Writes

16 years 2 months ago

I read all 58 comments

And my take on the poem is though it provoke a feeling of unrest, it didn't for me. I think it a great write because it express how many view people in the world. Not so much a stereotype poem of a particular people, because people in general judge, stereotype, and treat people as mediocre and less than they are in whatever fashion they let it show. Your poem did not make me feel any less because I know who I am and what I am about. If anything in your poem reflects on me negatively then it is what it is because I and all are imperfect needing improvement. You have a kind heart that is as big as the world. The raw truth, true poetry is what this is. ~~~~~~~~~ If you don't like it, can't talk about it, then write about it. Respectfully Yours, Barbara
weirdelf

weirdelf

16 years 2 months ago

thank you barbara, for your insight

but remember, as Anne Harvey said, no-one can be averaged, we all have our strengths and weaknesses Cheers, Jess, Screw copyright, my poetry belongs to the world, no charge, property is theft. But an acknowledgment might be nice.
Barbara Writes

Barbara Writes

16 years 2 months ago

Though i didn't mention it

I believe there are no average people. As you said all have strength and weaknesses. Sometimes the strength of another may not go unnoticed, but can be overlooked or unappreciated. ~~~~~~~~~ If you don't like it, can't talk about it, then write about it. Respectfully Yours, Barbara
Esker

Esker

16 years 2 months ago

forty five per centage

am I then less then average in the forty five is it as Bob Barker says Higher or Lower interesting points made in this poem Esker~