Do Not Aggrandize Me

Do not aggrandize me 

Do not elevate my circumstance 

Do not magnify my situation 

Do not glorify my leaving 

My struggle is no greater 

than the struggle of every man 

Overcoming was within me 

Yet, I did not attain 

Whether it was weariness 

Or perhaps I was lost inside 

Where one may see hope 

I saw hopelessness 

Splashing about 

In despair’s deepening pool 

I closed my life’s vision 

Embracing the darkness 

Embroiled in this warfare 

Wounded and oft fatigued 

Still the battle raged on 

Tugging my soul along 

Lament for me, if you must 

Mourn the possibilities 

But dwell not on my passing 

Celebrate my living 

I can offer no apology 

No balm for your grief 

No relief in your anguish 

My choice robbed you of that 

For the multitude of reason 

I found one to justify my path 

I built a wall around me 

And barricaded against the light 

Look, I get it 

You think

You could have saved me 

You had the right words 

You would have made the difference 

You 

Couldn’t 

Didn't 

Wouldn’t 

Do not aggrandize me 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

June 12, 2025