Nothing

I have nothing to offer, love-

Nothing that can win the approval of crowds;

I have neither wealth nor fortune-

I feed in the night when men are fast asleep

On what my sweat gained under the heat.

My people were far from kings, love

My only royal robe is the smile that graces my lips;

My skin is not as pale as snow in winter

But as dark as the night sky

Void of light, and

I'm not without flaws that mar me

For a fraction of my soul is as dark

As an underground tunnel;

I have nothing to offer, love-

Nothing that can win the approval of crowds,

Nothing but my bruised heart,

Whose veins turned black and blue,

Nothing but my love that has fallen

Sick, yet lingering in the cold alley

Calling out for hope desperately.