Ignoring Umbrage

by Mike Hetzler

your ego lies in deep
pools ahead eclipsing importance

we tread through its hardened mucus
past the bones of others who have tried

and failed to traverse the impenetrable
skulls grimace at us, try to fool our feet

I grab your hand, lay it on my shoulder
lead you through to the edges of stilted miracle

in the rays of sun again, we are thankful for nature
its sustenance feeds our bellies emptied by neglect

your eyes ask questions to my loyalty
suffer me to tell you how I see you through experience

I answer nothing, simply put you closer to the light
and waving goodbye, crawl back to persist beneath your shadow