How many poets have come before me?
How many have cried for someone they did not know?
How many have open their eyes to see their sister crying at the stove?
Who among us has delivered such news?
Was it something you remember?
I never again wish to carry that coal
A fires final ember

How many poets have come before me?
Surely I am not the first.
How many poets will abhor me?
Surely I am not the worst.
How many poets will reject me?
I am certainly worth their time.
How many poets will accept me
as nothing more than boyish rhyme?

How many poets must I prove myself to?
How many more is convincing to you?
I am who I am
Yes, that has been said
These words I left here
To live after the dead