Vacuous

I never wanted accolades
The trappings of success
A place on the dais
With others of my kind
Not a ticker-tape parade
Or the notoriety of fame
Because those things fade
They slip into the ether
Of time and place gone by
They drift with the tide
In a wildly raging river
That carries them out to sea
They bring along expectations
Perceptions of who I am
And who I’m supposed to be
I just want to do my best
To be someone who strives
Who doesn’t settle for less
When faced with adversity
A conscientious human being
Who loves with his whole heart
Regardless of vulnerability
I want the satisfaction
In knowing I’m treasured
By people who matter to me
And that I treasure them in turn

I never wanted accolades
Because they go up in flame
I want an everlasting fire
That uses me for a while
And then goes on its way
To light another’s life.