I have noted what I have gained
and have composed, as fully as I can,
what can be
how
why
and if
My fancies ought not displease you
I will be able to tell
I am still enriching and polishing
Mental influences changed for some unknown reason
Whether it be received
is still disputable
I have neither slept nor idled
reaped experience
kept faith
I cannot change nature
Tori Burris Inkley
6/8/20
[Blackout Poetry – excerpt from The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli]
