Poem

A poem may be an act of contrition.

It communicates
what otherwise could not be said
absent the test of courage… 
and also grace.

Communication sometimes may fail
not for the loss of words, 
but the inability
to feel…
and/or inattention;

thus must rely
on the developed self-knowledge 
of the poet
and ears that hear not words, 
but expressed emotion; 

so join the poet
in accepting and celebrating 
the humanity that exists
on this planet, 

insofar as known.