For Once

For once in his life,

he was serious.

For once in his life,

he meant what he said.

No one took notice.

They were listening without hearing.

For once in his life,

he needed help.

For once in his life,

he wasn’t in control.

They had no way of knowing how it felt.

His pain unfolded before them.

For once in his life,

he really needed someone.

For once in his life,

he needed assurance

They didn’t understand the pain and

humiliation involved.

For once in his life,

he wanted to be left alone.

For once in his life,

he had it all figured out.

They just couldn’t understand.

1995