David

His voice would sound adult,

If not for the hollow vibration

That asks for acceptance,

And a place at the adult’s table.

There is a Willy Loman desperation

In his almost settled comments.

Reasoned, sometimes humorous,

David’s loneliness engulfs him.

Estranged from his family

Not in a manifest sense,

Rather as the child whose voice

Is not heard in the decision making process.

Fear, an unwelcome companion,

Insubstantial but omnipresent,

Deprives David of  the joy

That remains after childhood is gone.

If love is the answer

Where must he travel to retrieve

His memory of bonding?