An Argument About Aesthetics

My first poem.

A warm bulk of ash on my shoulder

Clings to a face, which I wish to love.

Every parting I feel like a soldier--

To see her I pray to God above.

Two dots of void, surrounded by green

Bearing a soul, violently mild.

Into my eyes they cheerily gleam,

Towards the end I'm slightly beguiled.

My peers disagree, whinge and complain:

"Our outlook does disallow such a mess"

I say: "mine has less vacuum and vain;

Going for more can then go for less."

"You think in the gross, the grandiose;

A head full of air on a feeble frame.

Walking like the emperor with clothes,

Though these clothes would put the poor to shame."

"You offer nothing but an escape

From the great expanse that is true life;

No more than a simple, hairless ape

Thinking it's normal to live in strife."

I rain down upon them my defense

For the ones who sinned shan't cast a stone;

I won't let any morals worth mere cents

Dictate whether I should be alone.

Author's Note

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.