XXI

 

The world refused me a fair hearing. 
So I, in turn, tuned the world out.

 
When the verdict came, I accepted it in quiet,
Preferring peace to endless burnout.

But peace too, I was swiftly denied-
too valuable a thing - I soon realized -
to eagerly let go of, at a meagre price.

I refused to fight tooth and nail,
to dampen with dirt neither head or toe.

 
And so severe, so abominable my crime
of unforgivable pacifism
that it was only fitting
that I pay for it in time.

And among the throngs who came with stakes,

 
pointed their fingers, in furious fits and shakes

A heartbreaking sight, really
to find you here,

 
Would that it were anyone but you,
I could bear.

But here you are,
as undeniable as the air

that I breathe in so desperately
utterly unwilling to share.

And here I am,
at last,
finally broken.
No tears to be shed.
No empty words spoken.

Just a withering glance,
on a weary face

that will leave no mark,
Just a fading trace.