Listen,

I will not back down. I make no excuses for the poorness, the ineptitude.

I recognize and accept it, this shoddy workmanship.

but listen,

I'm not coming back down. I'm still going to keep scratching at this opening,

my fingers bruised, numb and calloused, are used to this pain

they'll pry this open, and light will shine in

And until, until, until

at the very end

when all is lost

and when I am reduced to nothing

when finally,

all caves in.

I will give up, give in.

but for now, until then,

let me try.

why? why this? you ask, some sneer and others shake their heads.

because it is a dream. because i love learning, i love this pursuit.

and until i can pursue it no more

that's when i'll let my arms drop

and say goodbye.