The Shame

For Emily Dickinson

When next you feel the shame

Because you lost the game;

An insult to your name,

Rejected from the same--

Recall that you are you

And others, themselves, too;

So best not misconstrue

Conclusions others drew.

Or those that they will draw

For @*$#!--the fatal flaw

Of interest in the jaw,

Incredulous of awe--

Is when the money comes,

And you still feel like crumbs,

And catch the dreaded numbs

And over-favor thumbs.

For fervor favors few;

And when the justice's due

Is when the judgment comes--

"Do you have change for ones?"