after Orange Car Crash Fourteen Times by Andy Warhol
Redemption demands creativity.
Each brushstroke that glides along the mural of self-forgiveness
acts in pursuit of molding coherency between the freethinking parts.
In time, doubt of my humanity surfaces
when sociopathy mingles with my innermost soul.
Maladroit remorse is left to its own devices.
My unwavering will triumphs over my worst decision.
It stands aloof on a solitary podium of steel,
signaling out to a bewildered crowd.
Even when those blighted memories thrust themselves back
into my mind like the marigold leaves
that blew over that moonless thoroughfare,
I brush them off.
I turn the page of my newspaper.
Grade: 12
Potomac, MD
Washington, DC
The Martian by Andy Weir
To have reasons to smile
My parents