THE COMPENSATION OF SUCCUMBING

When one’s pedestal
falls and crumbles
and life is swallowed
by the numbing reality
of having
no face or essence
discernable
within the lines of time
as read by those
seeing
only spot lights,
payment
for steadfastness
comes
in the succumbing.
Surrendering to a calling
regardless
if any bank or eye
recognizes the tender,
which God has given.