A Sad Man

He is a sad man, badly flawed, but hardworking He believes he is beyond reproach, just like many proud men do That face does not crack a smile; a sign of 'weakness' it is to him His poor children starve for the affection of a busy and distant Father But by now, they've learned to keep warm hugs only for Mother With the mindset that he was the spindle of his fine home and firm Delegation of tasks came easy, and was delivered with shouts and expleties Like a dark cloud he'd hover over his staff as they worked And with no qualms, he'd claim credit for successes And no one would stand up to him; no one ever dared Most important in his life was work; he had no genuine friend His warped mind assured him that no one was his equal in anyway At home, he planned the weekly meals and dictated where they'd shop And when a drink at dinner was accidentally spilled Unforgiveness ruled the home for days Toys seized as punishment were never to be seen again Whether a favorite doll or game, it mattered not; sobs wouldn't break his heart Clueless was he that in the hours he was away His submissive family and servants come alive And during times when he was at home, it had the feel of a tomb One Friday night he delayed the staff by working extra late Then when he called down for his car only to find the driver asleep His rage overtook his senses and he threw the driver out! In that instant he sat in the driver's seat hurling insults out loud In blinding rain, and fuming with anger, he took the exit ramp at high speed He never saw the old, blown-out tire coming at him just ahead Fate that night made a devastating decision... it was taking back control In his bedroom today, he lies motionles and sadly, visitors never sit for very long Though unable to speak, he's gracious to see, the frolicking birds through his tears At times he stares at the lonely hour glass upon the shelf below the window sill ~*~ 2/20/13 For Jeremy's "Objectify Me Free Verse" Contest