Applause

The world's applauding.
Don't pat the back.
You've forgotten all
the things you lack.

Like mercy, compassion,
benevolence.
Wisdom, faith,
and tolerance.

Philadelphia:
have you ever been?
If you bothered knocking
would they let you in?

Or would they bid
you stay outside.
Chastised for not
coming by.

Have you hugged
a post of rusty nails?
Skin so soft,
comfort prevails.

You don't want
to endure the pain.
That's exactly why
you have not changed.

You cultivate with
many words,
but when it comes to action
you lose your nerve.

You hide so others
cannot see
that you're not what
you ought to be.

You can hide from others;
that's cake to do.
But how can you ever
hide from you?

You don't want
to endure the shame.
That's exactly why
you have not changed.

The world's applauding.
Don't pat the back.
You've forgotten all
the things you pack.

Like arrogance, jealousy,
a heart that's lax.
Greed and craving
for sideways tracks.

A seed's been planted.
Well, has it grown?
Don't praise virtue,
reap your own!

You note your faults,
but don't remove.
You catalog,
and don't improve.

Discard self-pity.
Stand upright!
Your vision's blurry.
Use your sight!

The world's applauding.
Don't pat the back.
You've forgotten all
the things you lack.