An Old-Man-Child
in an adult world
Alone in their gather
of cocktails and swirl

Again but an alien
as when he was eight
The steps to acceptance
he’s loathe to retrace

The pomp and the patter
falls deaf on his ears
Each slap on the back
reinforcing his fear

An Old-Man-Child
in an adult world
shunning their presents
—midst diamonds and pearls


(The New Room: June, 2023)