I am muck and vapor,
wearing a respirator,
eyes bruise quickly lately,
and coal has clogged the throat.

I am a wilted banner on the electric wires.

The brimming chalice floods my logic,
why must I dig my grave for dollars,
why bury honor in the name of safety,
why walk the beaten path of others,
towards irrelevant success.

So throw me out into the sea,
and let my vessel battle tides.
If I should perish, let it be,
but I'll go down with my pride.