This oblique projection of a nascent being
suffuses me with self-awareness
and asks me why have I failed to thrive.

Shoulders weak, waist bulging,
ears waxing, eyes burning,
I explain that I'm enervated by exigencies.

The specter waves its hand in disgust
and fades away, leaving behind
the usual stuff in the mirror.

Behold now a penitent man,
rubbing together chafed hands,
heir to an undisciplined intellect.