I may have started
as some faint light
along the wall ~ emanating
from the bottom
of a stairway
an insignificant glow
deemed by others
as not going anywhere
’cause of its dim
and seemingly weak
disposition …..
….. each step
I took
to lift myself up
from such a lowly beginning
was a struggle
with frequent
backward steps ….. until
out of sheer effort and will
I left below for good
this image of being
the lesser
individual ~
~ I raised my head high
above
my square shoulders
up past
the mental archetype
the so-called air of privilege
that elevated mist ~ floating
sanctimoniously
around all those
who think
their shit
don’t stink
like mine
the everyday kind
born common
with lesser opportunity
for a higher education
and societal classification …..
….. I overcame
not ’cause
of becoming
pompous
or ’cause
I am somehow
now
all that and more ~
~ but ’cause
I truly cared to care
beyond myself
and the act
of mere lip service
to actual deed
see ….. I ain’t got no
hidden agenda
this want to be some hero
some grandiose personage
I only want to be
remembered
as this little ember
of humanity
who had
this insistent glow
of selflessness
who made
at the end
of the day
a tiny
bit of difference …… helping
to spark
the luminous
transition
to enlightenment
a process of transformation
for the betterment
of all the humankind …..
…. if you want me
to stand in the stairwell
lost in your shadow
not lit enough
to be seen
’cause you
have judged me
as this lesser
inconsequential
human being
I say
go fuck yourself ~
~ stand back and watch
’cause
I’m gonna shine …..
….. peace out
Image & Words by ~Keith Alan Hamilton~