परिवर्तन

 is appreciation validation 

another expectation soured 

into existence - a sin of the higher order 

beyond gluttony, apathy even adulatory

to ask the one, the many to seek my counsel 

to seek my comfort and exist for the sake of the elusive self 

who never manifests into any thing more than me. 

it is an emptiness 

a receipt marked by a smiley face that signifies i matter 

i am  matter that is significant to the continuation of existence 

it is a lesson learned after the tic for tac 

the payment made, the line set, the dream followed 

after the applause sought after the smiles of men as their heads 

turn if even for the slightest moment. it is fleeting even when it comes 

from my son or my daughter or brothers or even the man i love  

rarely given and even less received