* not good enough to stream

I have been here as long as man
rooted in his reptile brain
always present, never sleeping
cold and calculating
immoral? amoral?
no difference

You first saw me on the playground
in the eyes of the bully
who'd knocked you down
then laughed

As acquaintances grow older
I am better hidden
yet still I remain
at the bank
..the IRS
..the bargaining table
..in an ex-lover's look

You will see me where adversity thrives
when humanity is buried
by ego
but I am most often seen
in your mirror