An orphan of destiny
whose birthmark disowns
A life spent indentured
his spirit on loan

Caught in a time warp
unable to leave
The future in chains
contentment bereaved

A child of the moment
left on the streets
Time as his captor
in shoes of concrete

Forever unwelcome
a foster relayed
From instant to instant
his memory replays

An orphan of destiny
whose grief is reborn
In weeks unrelenting
his calendar scorned

Last chance at adoption
it calls from within
The voice of acceptance
—from him unto him

(Dreamsleep: June, 2023)