Pain is an opener of a window, 
moving society's dirt from the show. 
I see that no one needs me, 
no one cares, no one heeds me. 
It hurts now that it is clear 
that I was never needed here. 
So why don't I leave? 
Because it's hard to believe 
that outside is really any better 
and, besides, I have fear as a fetter. 
That window's bars will yielding feel 
yet harden like carbon steel 
forged of instinctive self-preservation, 
really just judgment's condemnation. 
This building is an all-encompassing school 
and my teacher's lesson is too painful. 

May 12, 1985