This is a story about accepting one's ignorance and rising above it.
He is what he fears most
The thought makes him freeze
Though cool breeze breaks his sweat
It does not bring him ease.
Shaken, he stands
Alone at the station
The air stays silent and thick
He curses this nation.
Stumbling outside, he glances up
Endless blue returns his gaze
The emanating heat slides over him
His body and anger set ablaze.
It hurts, his pride
More than he would like to admit
To comprehend the idea
That he's foolishly unfit.
Ignorance
The word drips from his lips
The air escapes his chest
His heart flutters and flips.
It isn't my fault
He yells bitterly at the sky
Desperate to convince himself
He lives by that lie.
Yes, his words are poetic
Smooth like fine wine
And yet here they’re empty
Glass with a see-through shine.
Step by step he strides down the street
Ignoring shops and cafes and bars
He walks until there's light no more
Except that of tiny twinkling stars.
A flash of red catches his eye
He turns around to stare
His heart pangs with the very sight
He whispers a lengthy swear.
The building stands, worn but warm
That friendly bunch of bricks
A diverse group of folks stroll in
Chapped lips the man nervously licks.
He feels a fool
Incompetent beyond repair
Each step grows harder
Heavy with despair.
He makes it up the stairs
At last, almost there
The man closes his eyes
Opening them to see his nightmare.
As a lonely bird calls out
Breathlessly seeking its lover
The man plots and plans
For his secret to cover.
But alas! It’s too late
His life is now new
For a hand intertwines with his own
One that’s veiny and blue.
Looking down, he sees her
Sunshine breaking the night
“You’re okay,” she then whispers
She erases his fright.
The man breathes in deep
“I’m here, too,” she declares
He straightens his back
The power was now theirs.
‘Adult English Courses’
Spelled out in blue font
He never made it beyond
The sign felt like a taunt.
But now it feels different
He looks down, feeling a squeeze
This time he’ll go in
Rather than drop to his knees.
His fingers grasp the knob
The door then opens for the pair
His gaze fixates ahead
He cannot look elsewhere.
He is what he fears most
The thought makes him freeze
Soft hands wipe off his sweat
Her presence sets him at ease.
And so the two walk on in
The door closes behind
The man wears a smile
An allegory for humankind.
