Youth

I fell behind,
the line marching in time.
Their guns in the air,
standing at attention.
I'm distracted.

I've tripped up on the laces I've strived to keep clean.
I've destroyed the meaning of the badges I wear.
I've infected the memories of the soldiers I guard.
I've shouted the orders of those above me.

Because I need more?
What am I fighting for?
My bones are rotten to the core.
My membranes are drop dead sore.

I've blisters on my hands.
I've scabs on my scratched knees.
I've disaster on my hands.
I've maps upon my cracked ankles.

I'm a disgrace, a troubled boy.
I'm a rifle among thieves.
I'm a leg brace for the healthy.
I'm a leech among the free.

I tripped up,
Apologized for my lateness.
I said sorry to myself in unimaginable ways,
As my face fell beneath shadows of a setting sun
That I do not deserve to feel.

The rightious-style trials have failed once again.
And I've fallen in the footsteps of ignorance.
Fallen in the gutter, in order to make more room

For you.