p.r.i.z.e.

It rests on me in hours.

The daylight offers no release.

I am gagged by its promise.

I am cuffed to its shame.

I carry its burden, chained to my heart;

I endure its ridicule,

I tempt kisses with its fate.

You laugh at my falter, you spit in my face,

you encourage my fall dear, you aid in the debate.

It’s become an over-powerment,

it’s a beast of its own disguise.

It’s a legend of its fortitude,

it’s a joke ...

and still a prize.