Came into this world crying,
I'll probably leave the same way.

But I did smile and laugh
Many times—
In my long parade of days.

I've loved,
Been betrayed,
Spoke words
I didn't mean to say.

Kept silent
When I should have spoken,
Seen dreams shattered,
Promises broken.

I've been a saint
A devil too
Been arrogant
And a fool

Been proud
And also
An orphan of shame

I've been all the faces
One person could be
In virtuous sinfulness
But never hypocrisy

And I've seen
Much of the world's beauty,
From sunrises to sunsets.

From the song
Of a new baby's cry,
To the eagle silhouetted
Against an amber sky.

I've seen society's ugliness.

Its indifference
To someone's suffering.

Forgetfulness
Because of not giving
A second thought.

To unjustly criticize—
Those refusing to conform,
That live outside
Of today's
Accepted norms.

Turning a blind eye,
Being so dignified.

Lying to themselves,
Believing they are justified

By the gods
They create,

Sacrificing their souls
Upon the altar of hate.

Yes—
I came into this world
Crying.

But the more I think about it,

When I do leave—
I might breathe

A sigh of relief.
















© 2026
Arthur E. Knowles
All Rights Reserved