You’re not as bright

You’re not as bright

As you think you are

Not even a

Dead star

More of a barren rock

Lacking atmosphere

Airless

To the point of

Suffocation

One breath short

Of a full tank

Steam-powered

Pile drivers

Pounding in my head

What is left

Ground into dust

Too much is made

Of promise

When all is said

Nothing exists

Without the will

To survive

In a vacuum

Hold that thought

Open the airlock

Risk a bleed

For the opportunity

To breathe easily

Once again

Happy

To be

In my own skin

Free from expectation

And the obligation

To perform.