Montage of Mindful Defense Mechanisms

Projection

Throughout my first marriage

I secretly hoarded string.

To deflect blame

I accused my wife of practicing ventriloquism.

I enjoy yodeling

in a vat of gravy.

Doesn’t everyone?

I chew peanut brittle

on a professional level.

I assume each person does as well.

Suppression

I am aware

that I inhibit

certain impulses.

I recognize that

inanimate objects

sense fear.

A sponge cake batter I was making

took my lunch money

because I was overly cautious

folding in the flour.

I finished making the cake

because I have a frosting attachment.

Regression

Anytime I feel uncomfortable

I walk past the plastic sushi displays

at Japanese restaurants

and tip my hat.

Just like Dad taught me.

Displacement

Whenever my boss yells at me,

I go home, pick up a slab of bacon

and play it like an accordion. 

Sublimation/Identifying with the Aggressor

I am cognizant

that I had lost track

of my distractions.

To forget my megalomaniacal girlfriend,

I ran for Congress.

She was the incumbent.

Therefore, victory at any cost

became incumbent.

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