Unmeasured

Grade me —
On scales, or measuring tapes
By my size, shape or form
Steps and dexterity
Rate of growth, wits on tests —
Pitted against my own kind
With judges watching

Score me
See me leap, run, climb
Push, face the tests
Survive any trials you can dream of
Before roaring crowds
See me rise to the top
On scoreboards
Grant me a title

Appoint me —
After due diligence
Background checks, references
Presentations to panels
Judging my works
Prove my worth
Welcome me in

Select me
See me perform — sing, dance
Check each curve through lenses
Under spotlight and in shadows
In beds and dark rooms
Sting me with shame
Face applause, boos
Put me on the cover

Elect me —
Hear my promises, lies
See me stir rallies
Sway donors, voters
Ignite frenzies, hysterias —
Mass mania
Nominate me
Give me the ticket

Showcase me —
Riling the public
Selling fakery and dust
Dreams that crumble
Fuel their marches

Make me the leader —
Watched, sleepless
A statue in the square
Toppled in a decade
Among kings, beyond their games
Blessed only by those who profit

Don’t cast me to streets —
Blindfolded with banners
Shouting against tanks
Teargassed, crushed
Barefoot, wounded
Shot in the back — hiding
From watchers in the dark

Nor box me
Numbered and shipped —
To raze and blast
A pawn in trenches, with guns
Under psychopaths’ command

I am looking —
Searching and seeking
Like a tree longing
To stand, send down roots
Free from strife
To come into my own