"Nice Guy" by Rusty Algren

Nice Guy

The harshest words I've ever heard, when we are all alone,

The ones that tear me up the most, and cut me to the bone,

Not words of anger or of hate, nor words that scream and cry,

But kindly spoken, gentle words, the ones that say "Nice Guy".

For nice guys finish last my love, and spend life on their own,

They spend their evenings with a book, not talking on the phone,

The calls they get are hurried ones, to fix the things amiss,

And on the cheek they sometimes get, a soft and gentle kiss.

They don't cuddle you upon the couch, when sad movies make you weep,

Nor curl up soft beside you, to watch you while you sleep,

Or see desire swell in your eyes, for love anticipated,

Nor kiss you soft and hold you close, as love is consummated.

The things they wish for you hold back, the nice guy is your friend,

No thoughts of quenching passions fire, on this you never bend,

Nor offerings of hearts desire, to fit you like a glove,

Just never ending kindness, and this brother kind of love.

Oh Lord, just once I'd love to be, a bastard in your eyes,

To show a different side of me, and catch you by surprise,

But leopards never change their spots, and nice guys can't be jerks,

So if you see a different side, it's just our little quirks.

So please don't say how much you care, that only gives me hope,

Nor how you love and need me, that's just more hanging rope,

And please don't say how sweet I am, or that I'm a nice guy,

Cause if I hear those words once more, I'll go curl up and die.

Rusty Algren

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