affection

I'm deficient as a human being while I linger unsighted

on the right solutions to improve our social lot,

and I've not got the degree of required compassion

to crash the barriers to empathy with my fellow man.

I stand superior to many a friend inasmuch

that I've such an awareness of the callous insensitivity

our privileged outlook involves; but I'm still at risk,

participating in our trivializing discussions.

I must continue to doubt my use to the world,

till early signs appear that I've started to belong

to the throng of a wider humanity, banded together

to sever immobilizing attachment to the past.

Until I lay to rest this inner qualm,

a part of me will never find its calm.