Starlight dew
gets stuck
on the blades
of a penitent heart
growing in the garden
from the start
of a story
barely taking shape
pushing past the luck
assigned by
so-called privilege
and in defiance
refuses
to accept blame
for that
which was not chosen;
closing eyes
to blind accusers
and leading
by example
to humbly
make the best
rising past
the sore and weak
who speak
in selfish tones
in a strange
kind of pride
relying on
spoiled milk
to quench
their dreams

(March 3rd, 2018)