Youth in the Dark

 
Youth in the Dark
 
He rushes down the stairs,
Still tucking in his shirt.
Primping, in a rush for…
Rejection: short and curt.
 
Never put together,
And always, always late.
Still, eager and thoughtful.
Smiling despite his fate.
 
Bright and even handsome,
Resourceful, committed.
But not polished and sharp,
So seen as dimwitted.
 
His tie is a bit too old,
Not enough, they say,
To be cool and vintage.
But cute in a crude way.
 
He wants to get a break,
Get into some career.
But the probable break
Will be to run from here.
 
‘But what here and what where?’
Is what he doesn’t know.
Both just beyond his reach,
Both are dark and will not show.
 
Won’t show what is good.
Won’t show what is right.
Won’t lead him to peace
And out of this night.
 
So he rushes and smiles,
Is courteous and kind,
And takes up this burden
Until his path he will find.