A Brief Encounter with a Childhood Friend

“So, Will,” I asked, “where have you been?
I haven't seen you since I was a little boy.”
“You made me go. I watched you crumble,
Like a clod. Your mother's voice, your
Father's voice, your friends', and your own
Loss of nerve, made clear that I was out of
Place, and you had turned your back on me.”
“But Will, without you, I've been lost.” “I
Know, and, if I'd stayed, perhaps you would
Have had some fun with me. As it is, you
Live inside the prison that you helped to
Build, and I've been outside, out of earshot.
You may think you need me, but you haven't.
Be your craven self. I'm leaving, and I won't
Be back. Stagger on, my former friend,
A cringing beast who waits to see where
Someone else will make him go. You've
Found your way to get along. Continue
With your compromises, pride well down
Within your throat, and tell the ones who
Own your fate that they are beneficiaries
Of the Will you banished, leaving you
To lick each boot which passes by.”



Poetry by Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 55 times
Written on 2010-07-06 at 12:13

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