Stay on your guard, Joe–

Anyone who dismisses you,

Dismiss them promptly, 

Permanently, and

Without recollection

Don’t compromise on what matters to you

Keep active

Do not cultivate the uninterested

Do not accommodate them

Keep away from them

Do not work for them

or with them–
 

Don’t get lost.

I picture the Earth 

think i     n          g

–

being,

absence,

loss

Years on 

I carry

wherever I go,

Your echo