the only thing
worse
than a failed
philosopher
is an insipid
fool with
poetic leanings
that is also
simply a failed
philosopher

his snapshots
of emotional
perils
out of frame
of reference
tearstreak filters
in anemic lens flare
details blurred
or obscured
by his clumsy thumbs

the only thing
worse
than a poet
with his heart
pinned to
his sleeve
is his reflection
an ugly man
filled with sorrows
smiling sadly alone