Plenum

bracketed as an editor's note --
never intended or foreseen by the original author
but simply added sometime thereafter
to better fit the aims of the regurgitator.
am i this blurb, commenting on and skewing
another's genius and only interfering with the original intent
or am i serving a more altruistic and admirable purpose --
to extend the reach of another's wisdom and share its impact
by demonstrating its applicability to a later generation?
parenthetical addendum perhaps
comprising a note readers may choose to overlook
but holding value that only a select few of motivated
(self-driven? over-achieving?)
individuals inspect.
am i confining myself to parentheses,
tacking the self-worth to assert my own value, quietly inviting others
(pleading?)
to glance my way?
i often undervalue my talents,
discarding or setting aside my claims to more.
i need to demand respect and prove
without a doubt or a second of hesitation
that i am a powerful person in my own right
and even if my words may be bracketed
or embraced by parentheses on paper,
they are important enough to shout out from the page.
i am an authority
and i will scream with my words.
you will listen!
whether you truly hear as your ears bleed
is up to you.