Patterns

i have always struggled to find a place
where i could begin to feel like i belong.
granted, i am a bit of a loner
and find difficulty connecting with others.

i, foolishly, thought that, maybe,
maybe
my work could speak on my behalf.
that maybe this time would be different.

hundreds of hours
of sleepless nights
spent focused on
projects that would ultimately be
overlooked and forgotten;
judged solely on conjecture
by those whose reputation exceeds their merit.

just as all the pieces of myself
that i have graciously offered
have been overlooked and forgotten;
taken for granted
time and time
again