Self portrait

there is a man who sings to himself
as he produces songs for the public.
he doesn't know the weight of his words
as he spews prophetic poetry
to anyone who'll listen.

he has bright eyes and a bushy tail
and he greets each morning with
rings on his fingers and bells on his toes;
there is no funding for the arts
just the beating of bruised and broken hearts.

there is a girl who cannot keep a straight face
as she looks into the eyes of the public.
she doesn't know the gravity that pulls her
as she poses and postures
for everyone to stare at.

she has brittle bones and a blackened soul
and she greets her evenings with
rings on her fingers and bells on her toes;
there is no funding for the arts
just the beating of bruised and broken hearts.