i sold my dreams
for a moment’s peace
my soul
for a bit of comfort
my mind
was denied
left to collect dust
while my heart
was not mine
to give away

this husk
was soured
by radon gas
by additives
in genetically modified corn
codified
as it was well preserved
for use
as a floatation device
in space

drained
from the last refrain
of pain
and unfettered anguish
swirling
down the toilet
with the refuse
of tomorrow’s
broken promise
of hope