Poison in, Poison out

by Richard Gilliam

Here I abide by society’s desire.
For a wrong done one, deserved or not.
In your keep my consignment now lies,
with the design virtuous influences give rise.
Compassion is the aim, but contempt the norm.
Almost to a man misanthropy and disapprobation
fuel your disdain for me and those like me
who seek redemption and empathy.
Our lot is diminished, not uplifted by the pain.
But, do I profit, not from graciousness, but from enmity?
Or does it deprecate society?
When in finality we are one and the same,
and will meet as equals in the dream of Avalon,
or amidst the chastening flames.