I carve a smile

Betraying doubts like parents

whilst ignoring bitter truths

from those voices lost

So many times before

These words bear a price

The property high

The paying gigs ample but scant

I carve a smile upon my mask

with rusted milky steel

for at least my mask can deal with thoughts I can't

I‘ll write anything but prayers

In this market of unconscious wants

and what it is I try to sell

will never buy me lunch

I feel infinite regret

In the soul of my soul

as I mistake their condescension

For curious intrigue

and by the time I read these lines

accept their faults and post online

I’m overcome by hellish fire

as furious fatigue