self pity follows fear just out
of arm’s reach yet cowers
close just the same “a grize
of love” if only for oneself
is enough for a pat on the head
there’s a good boy yes there is
to make it through another day
another chance glance in the mirror
to see another scar another fool
who begs fear to strike again
to feel something more than nothing
to coddle the partiality
until it gloms to one’s heart
like ice-rimed chains
(January 5, 2015)
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