Bars of Gold*

Today, I gave away your song
To all who cared to hear,
But they heard only
My rough voice,
And not

Your hope and fear

They marked the rasp
Within my throat,

But not your melody,

Though several sang
Unto themselves,
As they would
Suffer me

Some bars of gold I set upon
A table near the door,

For I was certain
Some would read

The heart that moved the score

When all had left,
The bars remained,
And I gave up the tear

That quavered in the lesser voice
That sang of hope and fear.