Whilenever much, it's just enough
Tokeep all hope from dying.
There'slittle chance, but what there is
Compelshis constant trying.
Hisoutward mien, an armored shell,
Keepswhat's inside well hid.
Asoftness that he'd love to share
Andwished that she too did.
Forall the strength he shows the world,
Hisconfidence is low,
Sowhen she turns her eye to him
Hissoul begins to glow.
Inthis arena, he's inept,
Histied tongue makes him mute.
Hissocial grace in jeopardy,
Rejectionfear at root.
Withdistance he could draw a breath,
Butcan't make himself move.
Aman of letters, wit and verve,
He'syet to find his groove.
Shehas a life that's hers to lead,
Withhead and heartaches rife.
Hedreams his suit would please her soul
Andnot add to her strife.
Tomuch inside his roiling thoughts,
Hispath to love fogged in.
He'llwelter in a dark morass
Untilshe smiles again.
RichardHigley © March 4 2020
YOU ARE READING
Her Eye
PoetryHe laments his lack of confidence and his need for her acknowledgment