Not Much

it may not be much,

but it’s mine;

not some teacher’s,

not some mentor’s,

not someone else’s idea

of good or bad;

it is mine;

it tears them apart,

knowing they spent years,

learning all the rules,

all the techniques,

all the proper pronouns,

all the perfect suffixes,

paying all the dues,

establishing all the provenances,

only to find out,

it’s all bullshit;

it’s either there,

or it isn't;

I have seen their lies,

I have tasted their hypocrisy,

their almost truths,

I have bought into

their system,

I have accepted their penalty,

I have paid their price:

I am free.

.

.