First Breath
by Robert Murphy

Secure under his mother's wing
The child feels protected;
But someday the wing will fade
And the child will be left alone,
Thrown to the wall
Naked, exposed to the world,
Open target for pain, ridicule; indifference
Scarring the heart
But strengthening the mind,
He locks himself away.
Trapped in the corner of his mind,
Secure once again, but the pain
Will never leave him.
HIs world is his own,
He is his own best friend.
Refusing love and companionship,
He races toward an early grave.

Robert Murphy
May not be reused without written permission of author.