the spectacle

pulmonary arteries and the hemispheres of brains
ventricles and vertebrae and the valves contained in veins
cherished hopes which deflated, best laid plans that went down drains
preconceived misconceptions and thoughts traveling in trains
anxiety disorders and assorted aches and pains
weariness that is weighted by accumulated strains
trepidation for the future, regret for where we've been
the yearning for approval that feeds the desire to win
obsessive-compulsive disorder and anguish over sin
uncertainties arising when self-confidence wears thin
the feeling someone was watching or something went unsaid
the wish you'd simply stayed at home and never left your bed
imagined imperfections shrouding sleepless nights with dread
the happiness that wells up with the smell of baking bread
memories of kisses gently blessing an inclined head
sweet dreams of conversations shared with loved ones who are dead
the knowledge that a friend would face your sorrows in your stead
joining chums that sing off-key, and joyfully chiming in
discovering your lover has the yang that fits your yin
communing with a kitten as you scratch beneath its chin
howling with wolves in moonlight, adding a voice to the din
we're virtually identical with all our earthly kin
sharing in the spectacle that sparkles under the skin.