Demonstration

[J Hillenburg]

Demonstration



Demonstrating an aptitude for survival despite circumstances

often disastrous or dangerous to a degree.

You were unable to accept responsibility despite numerous chances

to face your demons, urging all fears to flee.

You lacked the capacity to acknowledge the flaws

that conspired against you and complicated your heart.

In a struggle with love, you failed to abide by its laws,

and attached too much significance to your misguided art.


Demonstrating little talent for humility, you swore your time

in service to some idea of self-discovery you’d heard in the wind.

You were driven by ego and it weighed down every line

speaking of devotions you had deserted and failed to defend.

What remains here that you have not betrayed

or compromised too easily for any pretty song?

You are shackled to countless debts never paid,

and pleaded innocence even when you were obviously wrong.


Demonstrating no capacity for love that wasn’t fleeting,

you lived in a world of crushing regret and icy rejection.

Confronted with challenges you had no intention of meeting,

you swore undying love while you searched for protection.

You lacked all sense of proportion or any sense of peace

to mend the scars inflicted upon your chaotic soul.

Demonstrating no understanding of the past or desire to release

those shadowy specters over which only you have control.