Wash

I am beyond imperfect. This I know

With all the certainty of wind and rain

That lash in warning on the windowpane

And promise spreading: I am weak. I show

My weakness with each slip. I try to grow

And force myself to stretch against the grain

Hoping intensely that the frequent strain

Will make me better. If is, it's slow.

And so I watch myself be what I am

Wishing I were not. I see each failing

Magnified in memory. I try to rise

Above my flaws. I overflow the dam

And watch those failures wash over the railing

With sad, exhausted, and determined eyes.