Unlike those-
I know the vocabulary of success
and so have never worked;
(do you think it's unfair to say?)
don't defend my unchallenged world

Here I AM (so happy)
circumstances have changed for the better
but i am not for the better
i am for the pain

I am for every tear drop of silence
in this cold cold corner
I am for every sharp intake of wounded breath
across these lungs
I am for every knuckle clasped to my lips;
for justice.

This is so much
better
(than before)
but (I feel) I feel the same

& I know i will not decide
(to use this happy power)
unless the world stops turning & i perish:
impersonality is not worth fighting for

Contrition--
every selfish heartbeat
and every happy ending.