the diligent one

don't assume
the approaching night
of dust and boredom
is the herald of a lesser merchant
come to sell you
purgatory on earth

believe that the ache
with which you face
the meat of hunger
is the ache meant for you

and, yeah, the sultans
of unimaginable inner kingdoms
do not think your life a waste
nor your efforts to unite
the beating cells of broken hearts
venting hate on one another

you only have this moment
to grasp the lightness of death
and it will never return
until the moment that follows
time after time after time again

nothing to prove
everything to lose
and that is where you have them

-- your enemies march to the beat
of the lead clock, housed in the lead sun
radiating sickness and wealth with no conscience

but your forgiveness will eat their innards
vulture of compassion
turn them to beg for some small particle of grace
turn them to honest contrition