Ode to Erving Goffman
I
I
Saving face, for self and other —
Saving face, for self and other —
I learned it early (from my mother).
I learned it early (from my mother).
It’s true, alleges Erving Goffman,
It’s true, alleges Erving Goffman,
Who ought to know, so do not scoff.
Who ought to know, so do not scoff.
I am a creature with a self,
I am a creature with a self,
Who ponders every act with care,
Who ponders every act with care,
And whether merry, mad, or blue,
And whether merry, mad, or blue,
Sees me reflected everywhere.
Sees me reflected everywhere.
II
II
Life is filled with plans and scheming,
Life is filled with plans and scheming,
Well-groomed selves and moral preening,
Well-groomed selves and moral preening,
Performers and performances,
Performers and performances,
Merchants, buyers, taking chances,
Merchants, buyers, taking chances,
Darting skillfully from mask to mask.
Darting skillfully from mask to mask.
Impression management’s weighty task:
Impression management’s weighty task:
Propriety, fitness, and decorum,
Propriety, fitness, and decorum,
Presented in a public forum.
Presented in a public forum.
III
III
On our teams and in our regions,
On our teams and in our regions,
Trust is scarce and threats are legion.
Trust is scarce and threats are legion.
I’ll guard my front, and you my back,
I’ll guard my front, and you my back,
Til we, exhausted, hit the sack.
Til we, exhausted, hit the sack.
Lock the windows, bar the doors,
Lock the windows, bar the doors,
I’ll tend my self, and you tend yours.
I’ll tend my self, and you tend yours.
But even then, alas, I fear,
But even then, alas, I fear,
You’ll be watching mine, my dear.
You’ll be watching mine, my dear.