Here I stand
A man condemned by my own kindness
Drowning in my own sorry existence of mediocrity
Blessed by the smiles of those that stand over me
Patting my head like a faithful pet
Oh how sweet those hollow words ring
As they fall fast and furious over my starving wallet
The bill collectors loiter on my door step
Sniffing at my newest paycheck
Some circle like sharks around my pennies like blood
While others pound their chests like mighty apes
Demanding my area of the jungle for themselves
Here I stand
Fast and true like the mountains
Even as their river of poisonous intent erodes into my soul
Like the mighty Rio Grande chiseling away my being
Snaking slowly thru my memories
Only to bubble furiously across the rapids of my day
Here I stand
Stained by the dripping praises
Like a drop cloth at a murder scene
Hues of death emanate from my being
The fringe light and lively, like the face I put forward
The middle deepening more solemn like the duties I perform
The center deep dark, meaty, twisted, mayhem
Pure dead like my mind
Here I stand
Loving, Secure, Steadfast, Loyal, Dependable
Completely miserably surrounded by love
Encompassed by manipulators
Embedded in confusion
Here I stand
I love you I hate me
They keep me
Here I stand
©02-26-05 MJMansfield
