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Ikkyu Reiterations: Self-Praise

I am a skeleton wrapped

in failing flesh; I wheeze

and my skin bursts open.

I dreamed I was some

other, then woke to see

it was true. Heaven

is too far way to lean

against. I am no sword.

Even upon reflection,

no such fame awaits me:

too many complications

settle to the ground like dust.

(April 18, 2022)