Bars of Gold

Bars of Gold

 

(Recalling My  Poor Defense of a Better Soul)

 

Today, I gave away your song

To all who cared to hear,

But they heard only

My rough voice,

And not

 

Your hope and fear

 

They marked the rasp

Within my throat,

 

But not your melody,

 

Though several sang

Unto themselves,

As they would

Suffer me

 

Some bars of gold I set upon

A table near the door,

 

For I was certain

Some would read

 

The heart that moved the score

 

When all had left,

The bars remained,

And I gave up the tear

 

That quavered in the lesser voice

That sang your hope and fear.