workharder16

James Bowden

the way i recited “Invictus” to myself as a child.
the way my passwords were, and regrettably still are “workharder16”–
            symbolizing first the obvious and second the favorite number of my 7th grade lost love,
            and it is almost as if you can see right through me, that there is reason more than just email access to keep this password a secret–
the way i printed “Invictus” out and immortalized it in plastic sleeve upon my bedroom wall.
the way i had it memorized, and still recall
            I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul
the way i am just now learning to allow emotions in, to forgive myself

my younger brother inherited the room and keeps the printout there and that mortifies me.

---

Obviously not anymore, but you’re welcome to try, I suppose.