My Broken Self

You have shown me the indifference of my kin
The cruelty of my tribe
The disregard of my people,
And you have exposed my own
You have beaten my enthusiasm,
my hope
Shattered my strength and will
Yet still expect me to give more.

I see need
Everywhere
And no one well enough to fill it.
All I have is my broken self
Fat, without credentials or pension or partner or plan,
And yet now, I see the beginning of peace,
The stirrings of kindness
In me,
For me.