vilipend

I hold my worth
cupped in my hands
and watch it drip
escaping my
imperfect vessel
I long for
another to catch
the fleeing rivulets
of my greatness
before they fall
onto the scorched earth
below
irretrievable
seeing them wasted
I vilipend
myself more
virulently than
the most caustic critic
fall to my knees
kiss the parched
and barren land
searching for
refreshment
redemption
requiescence
and for my pains
ashes and dust
inhale