Standing still
Accepting the last and coming sting.
The heat of irresponsibility.
The burn of driving tears.
Helping as a lecture unfolds.
Encouraging their words to
Bite in deep and stay for a week,
Incomprehensible to those who
Root for the
Dreary sleep.

Trembling, shaking knees
Held still and
Even all through the wait
Right there searching, right there listening
Ensconced in the shame of childhood.

Even tougher came the
Voice whispering, not
Enough thanks towards the ones
No one would suspect.