fate

like a violin that’s badly-tuned

and disturbs the sounding pitch of the orchestra

my life’s a song that’s long since out of key

I am not bold or brave or sure enough

by dint of education out of line

individualism formed my nature

whereas our age is that of “we-ism” now

dithering and error cloud my chances

I’ve kept up the struggle long and hard

against the enemy within myself

I’ve buttered-up sweetness countered threat with threat

and come away with victories precious few

habits that are far too deep-ingrained

are difficult to change and hard to extirpate

Intojo
tr. after Damais