a mediocre poet

i'm a mediocre poet
and i can't tell
if i should care more
or care less

i'm a mediocre poet
it's a matter of taste
whether you win the prize
or get last place

i'm a mediocre poet
and I've always hated this format where the first line of each stanza is the same

Shame

Shame must change 
sides. But most (not all men)
are too cowardly to feel
shame. Too emotionally 
weak to do the hard work
of facing the consequences
of their actions.
Is there no greater achievement
for a man (but not all men)
to fearlessly look
not only out into the world
but even more so into themselves
and face
understand
digest
reflect on
and grive with honesty their own
failings?
Instead they hide
behind a concocted ego
one they borrowed 
from someone else
they admire
when admiration is just jealousy 
except you still like them.
Instead men hide 
and wonder why 
they are lonely.