Are you waiting to hear

words of wisdom

carried forward and out

of a life lived latterly

as though I were some mystic

a pure one

free of cynicism and anger

harsh and acute observations

a life with eyes open

even when unwilling

is a jumble of images and memories

fighting for their right

to be top of the heap

and so it is not for this world

the salvation of peace

for what use are the undriven

indifferent observers

who want for nothing

but to empathise

but I will save my own soul

through my own anger

which tells me

of my dishonesty

so hear the wisdom

and hear it well

for purity is not the cleansed soul

empty, washed and sparkling

no, it is the soul of one

who plunged their hands

deep into the shit

and resurrected the soul

of one who was dying