the x-factor in poetry

the difference between the exceptional and
the plain old exceptions is subtle and
will be at best born out over time if at all
so take these socially-constructed false
dichotomies that kicked you in the balls
explore and embrace them instead
you will find empathy in your life
you’ll find compassion in your head
success might evade you but
here’s hoping love can persuade you
that making things better
makes these things worth it
after all and maybe it won’t matter
if you were the exceptional or
if you were just an exception
what matters is the effort
what matters is the intention