Stunted Man

 

I never escaped
that awkward
teenage stage

I just could not find
that damn conduit
that led
to adult self confidence

There comes a point

in every search party

when the batteries

start to die

and the lights flicker

before becoming one

with the permanent darkness

At this late stage
of my arrested development
I have at least 
finally come to grips
with grudging acceptance

that I am what I am not

At the end of our performance

this should be more than enough