They’ll remember me
Not by these words
But the fact that I dared
To be jobless
And remain unknown
Still on purpose
Except by those few
Who might care

As most would proclaim
How insane
A man must appear
Staying nameless
Without any such proof
He existed
Or value unearned
While alive

Defined through eyes
Left behind
Describing real ills
Like they’re praises
Of an anxious soul
Misinterpreted
For what lies hurt more
Than each fear

Denying deep pain
Very true
Where phrases alone
Revealed sickness
Turned daily relief
Into poetry
After failing so long
Fighting back

Against symptoms
Never quite gone
Despite seconds between
Yielding respite
When writing down thoughts
Growing dangerous
If calling out art
Far less bold

Never worried
Since someone might read
His beliefs unrestrained
Even stranger
Always seeking their ear
Merely willing
Getting radically changed
Before long.

• J. Pigno