Failure To Emulate: A Growth Story

Trim the timid whiskers
the old growth
jutting out from the baby face
you'll never be that guy
reeking of dangerous appeal
and hypnotic charm

You were cradled in soft hands
powdered in sensitive tears
rooted in flower gardens

You were intrigued by differences
in language, skin, bodies and beliefs
hanging on to immerse yourself
in struggle and story

How could you curse yourself
and the inherent empathy
that buds inside a seeker?

There is nothing you can do cosmetically
to alter the truth,
substances will only hide your shame
until you remember what you are shrinking from.

And why shrink, if you can shine?