What would fame bring
what would it change
One iota of truth
the stoppage of rain

Living exposed
the arrows to sling
You know what you know
whether knave or a king

Accolades fall
slaps on the back
Stumble or stall
and your patron’s attack

Life in the shadows
freedom proclaimed
Famously absent
—yourself to ordain

(Dreamsleep: October, 2022)