Failure is the temptation of the strong, the bones
of the weak, and everything to everyone
in between. The clamor as we enter into silence.
Failure must be perfect, perfection the salvation
offered under the beaten table. When I fail, I fail
as the perfect incarnation of myself.
It is the trust I have constructed, like a summer
home for the poor. The apples for free
in the orchard, the wealthy ordering them
from across the country. Two ways to approach
failure, from either side. The solemn retreat
into it, and the aggressive advance.
