I am
the Shame
of the race.
The red cheeks
and hot ears
of a thing
yearning to turn
away from itself.
A disappointed
Misanthrope witnessing
unwillingly. Waiting
for the day,
the hour,
the minute,
I can
close my eyes,
my ears,
my mouth;
hold my nose
and pull on gloves.
Then
I will flip up
my sweatshirt hood,
draw strings tight,
and let
someone else
be Embarrassment
for a while.
(2004)
