Counting Descent

by Clint Smith

How many times he defied gravity to answer a question in class.

I still have a habit of trying to make up for things I can’t understand by removing all of the evidence.

but words were the only way I ever knew how to fight.

only the hum of the radio whittling the country to its knees.

I have always used words to try and convince the world that I am worth something.