by the stories we love
of heroes that fall and,
eventually, somehow,
find redemption
of the mentor who sees the student
not for what he is, but
for what he was meant
to be
of characters with full arcs
that rise at the end,
like the sun.
we want to be remembered.
we want vindication,
mercy, growth
affection, wisdom
- but ultimately, and
most of all,
redemption.
where are these things?
we keep writing about them, but
maybe they're more like God,
who props the scenery of this play,
this improvisational purgatory.
forgive me, i did not want
to ruin the mood;
forgive me, regardless.
give me what i cannot
give myself.