tired

when eyes blear, forced unwillingly across heartless text;
and the dulled mind monotonously drums: rhythmic headache.
people pollute the silence: philosophizing, pitying, rebuking—
all are equal.
life’s luster is brazen, cheap—tarnished.
an unwanted face stares sullenly, unmasked in the mirror
of ugly tones and secret self-contempt, reflected in others’ confused hurt,
mocked in their smiles. dare i name it my own?
glutted with self-focus yet marred with misery from a gnawing hunger within:
myself i must call it, or nothing; both are meaningless, alone.

when eyes blear, bloodied, forced willingly across heartless crowds;
and the dulled mind endures the beat of the whip upon battered body: methodical torture.
people bludgeon the silence: spitting, cursing, trampling, hating—
all are equal, unmarred with justice.
life’s end is dearly bought—a precious ransom.
the unwanted face contorts in agony, streaked and caked with love;
mirrored mockery jeers mutely in the broken, once-strong hands
red-stained with mercy. and the burdened head finally bows—worn out—finished.
dare i look on that and complain, or claim myself—or nothing—or any else. . .but him?
myself I must call his, now: for then all is meaning.