impurities lessen me,

the spark of wonder I cannot see,

the decay of all things,

crest fallen warriors on the road to victory,

from a war they’ve already lost,

mirrors reflecting back at me,

shame not worn by me,

I never faltered,

I never fell,

symbolistic souvenirs,

my wisdom unimportant,

I grant the flower water,

but hide it from the garden,

you seek,

I see,

fleeting nuances,

my forever disease…