more words

it’s not for a lack of desire
to change this world
did I remain silent.

and as a few more words were spoken
I buried what yearning to be correct
and helpful
into the realization that it is going to be a while.

the impossible, they say,
simply will take some time.

a few more thoughts became a single currency
between getting from right to wrong.
or the round trip.

pity.
shame.
despair.
outrage.
and then thanks.

thanks, my new enemy—
no wait, friend —-

for giving me a few more words
to motivate the daily struggle.

bread can’t wait to be baked.
children can’t wait to brush their teeth
and be tucked into bed.
bombs can’t wait to be dismantled
and leaves can’t wait to be raked
in the time it’s going to take me.

but just a few more words
and that’s all it will be
to drive in me every conviction
I know I was born with.

it’s not for a lack of desire
to change ignorance into
awe
that I sat there and took a beating
to the heart of a spirited man.

it’s for the drive
edging, they say
to succeed at something greater
than spewing intolerance.

if life’s measuring stick for me
is notched every time I reach a new level of
understanding
let tonight frame my newest moment
of sheer devotion
to change the world.