Patched Valentine

Among our worst illusions

When we wake up each morning

Is the sense of helplessness we can feel

Either unacknowledged or overindulged

But illusions lead to real experiences

If not from their origins in dreams

Then in their physical world consequences

For instance if you see what's not there

Or fail to see what is matters

And what if at fourteen you get on

A misdirected train of thought

And spend years exhausting yourself

Over a few wronged feelings

Is the journey only wasted

If you don't come back

With your good humor intact

And your patience needing patches