The Poetry of Mark Daniel Milbocker 
A Right to Stand

I make myself smaller
try not to breathe or cough
or wake up the tired warden
or let him see my glimmer
for attention breeds suffering
for I am incomprehensible
my passions reprehensible
the why was admittedly a mistake
I own your faults and indiscretions
denuded and humiliated to the ground
your neglect drowning out your contempt 
my last sound begs your disgust
untrusted and splayed crucified
by the love I spent my pearl to
possess and forever remain chained
while I loop with my liver hanging out
malfunctioning to the end 
without meaning or credential
lost to the music of the undancing
I trace the outlines of wallflowers
because it is not yet my time to nap.
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