He was never fooled
Though sometimes ridiculed
In places he was not present
A face to face
Might displace
The confidence of his accusers
And the short chute to insignificance
Describing his tumble
By those with congenial
           and reciprocated pats on the back
In the comfort of closed quarters
Where disagreement
                on certain matters
Is considered
              not only uncomfortable
                                        but irreverent
At least in the context
Of a small room
A very small room
Where ideation beyond the norm
Is considered heresy
Or more troubling
Begs the insidious questioning
Of one's own absolutes
Or calmness in stature
And how firm the ground
Before lying beneath it

They voted not to let him join the B.P.O.E.

But he could still golf, as a guest.
No swimming!
Thank the Lord,
      that he was a very light-skinned *****