You can only do
what you can do.
Let it go,
outcomes out of your hands.

Except inspirational speakers
on scratchy LPs in high school classes
and hair-sprayed preachers in pulpits and at church camps
all convinced me I was supposed to make a difference,

fostering a longing
in my in my psyche
for tangible successes
that has never gone away

despite all reason
to the contrary.