One

I’d gladly take

one verse 

ill written

Than a tome

explicit

with words

unfelt

I’d gladly take

one moon 

still distant

Than a sunrise

hidden

by rain

that pelts

I’d gladly take

one real 

good tiding

Than a score

of praises

that slap

my back

I’d gladly take

one heart

on fire

Than a million

minds

no souls

— attached

(Villanova University: June, 2025)