Solicitudes Become Us

with all that we may stand to gain
or lose
upon a single breath

prudence yet eludes
our voice of truth

flaunting our pathologies
solicitudes become us

highwaymen who strum
submissive hearts

creatures born of covetous
convinced by vaporous conviction

candy coated candor
with a cracker jack surprise

desiccated eyes
no longer fit
to hold this thin disguise

rolling to reveal a hollow head
where tears unshed yet hide