Small Cog No More Poem by David Self

I've walked through life unseen,
a small cog in someone else's machine.
Counted, but never counted on,
measured and always found wanting.

I've sat under endless skies,
fed on promises that never fed me.
Every burden shouldered,
every smile worn like armour.

The years have piled on,
but sway has never found me.
I've followed,
even when I knew the road was wrong.

I've traded pieces of myself
so others could be whole.
But when nothing comes back,
your hands learn to stay empty.

I've been the nodding dog,
rolling over in the fog.
Making the gears turn,
while no one asks how.

Decisions are made around me,
unless they're too small to matter.
They call it "team, "
but I'm the only one pulling the rope.

No more.
I've bent my back enough.
I've worn their chains politely —
I'm done bowing.

From here,
I take my own road.
Let the machine find another cog.