Self Portrait

Unpredictable and volatile--
morose and quiet one moment,
laughing heartily just after a while
at whatever excited his mirth, 
his high thin loud laugh strange
from a person with a grave mien.

He would often be in deep thought,
as if engaged in contemplation 
of a philosophical question. 
You’d think he is not given to humor,
but know him well and you’ll divine 
he is not averse to jests even at his expense.

You would view it with some misgiving 
he delights in fairy tales, children’s books, toys,
movies with superheroes or fantasy themes,
colors, flowers, and childish games. 
But perhaps you would forgive him
for through circumstances not of his doing
childhood had somehow skipped him. 

November 15, 2024
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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