Envy the bodily igneous,
born of red and river rock;
I’m no island black or genius—
they weighty wear
with hardened care.
Jealous the metamorphic gem,
reborn by pressure wombing hot;
I’m not ruby-deep or diadem—
they’re reigning rich
with crowning niche.
Covet the quartz conglomerate,
reformed in a cast;
begotten forgot.
I’m not cannon-armed
or agate-arrayed—
their ladened teeth
in bones bequeathed.
Pity my mortal sediment me,
ignorant of stone and rock;
I’m not fortified
or mineral-laid—
silt remains,
and mudsand layers.
Pray the elements assault subside.
Glaciated,
I’m a plaster block;
wind feasts my flesh,
rain drains my heart—
removes my fines,
dissolves my lime.
I am not who I am.
I am who I am not.
I will be not who I will be.
I will be who I will be not.
