Such As I

Beneath the saccharine scene of fumbling caricature

Under all exhausted excess of mournful vaudeville

Some far striking spirit

Rose above rose tint of reverie

Journeyed steadfast, restless

In haste upon greatness

I sought the heat of good fortune

Bargained swift for discovery

He spoke in ochre and verse

Stood in story and worth

He beckoned, walk forth

You, intrepid and learned

And I approached, asking

Who might you be

What might you see

To brand acclaim

So assured

On one such as I

On a man, such as I