I Found My Lungs On The Shelf Poem by Shalyn Stachmus

If what we're breathing in are the scents of sin, will it cause us all to choke?
If in the very end we've not made amends, will we really lose all hope?
I hope not.
Even though I've been warned, I don't seem to care anymore.
Is this bad?
You see these questions, but can you see the reasons I ask?
If I've been warned and I don't care,
Is this bad?

This ultimatum has no effect on the effects of the threats themselves.
What will happen after death if no one cares?
Vaguely, I can feel you, even though you're gone.
I hope you won't be watching me, but I'm pretty sure I'm wrong.
Shriveled Time hides inside its cave of safety.
Even though I've mourned, Time will always hate me.

If what we're seeking then, is to begin again, will it leave us all alone?
If on the long descent we've not changed within, will we really lose all hope?
I hope not.
Even though I've been warned, I don't seem to care anymore.
Is this bad?
You see these questions, but can you see the reasons I ask?
If I've been warned and I don't care,
Is this bad?

Don't look at me; I'm a stupid little hypocrite.
Asking questions while I claim to never care.
What will happen in the black if no one cares?
The weak-willed and minded can't stand excited,
Unless those who know, make known their own despair.
I think I hid all the answers deep, deep inside my mind.
But even if I tried, would it really matter what I'd find?

(Original: Unknown/Revised: 4-22-12)