ragged complexion nearly
distracts from his eyes
the staccato of his limbs
semaphores his battle with
demons

I urge him silently to shout them out

it shames me deeply
and my turn to blot
my skin weak.

like a human stutter the
crippling in him carried
him away

too slowly

crossing the road in looking
back my demons
play patacake on my  spine