Summation

I'm devastated – devastated, blocked
On every side, all cylinders misfired,
Unhappy, uninvolved, and uninspired,
Outsmarted, out of chances and out-talked.
I wanted out, but all the doors were locked.
I hoped for wisdom, but I felt too tired
To listen to somebody I admired
Who offered sensible advice I mocked.

So I deserve whatever grief I get,
Whatever unintended consequence
Occurs with each new passionate defence
Of those unpleasant acrobats I met
In Africa, when we were cold and wet,
But I believe, still, in their innocence.