I believe in Truth despite its poor detractors,

That there exist such things as light and darkness

And things of worth and beauty. I believe in Art

Above all other things, that to create is Human,

5

That Man deserves existence and bears it well.

But o that I am blighted with disease and heartache!

That psychic pain and electric headaches roil

My hopeful philosophy to doubts of meaning.

How I was taught and what I learned bear nothing

10

In resemblance to what I now believe is true.

Nothing remains of my upbringing save misery

And sadness, and I remember all too well

The lessons grasped in the search for love and acceptance.

The Lord, if He exists, if He persists

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In me or others I have come to know,

Has cursed the ground I walk with fiery coals,

And set me to moving at all times and in all places.