POEM: Every Boy Dreams

[Rieping]

Every boy dreams himself as hero
and sees his face in every epic life.
Yet what changes within our hearts
that we rise less and less when called?

The day may come when true heroes unmask
the villainy of the child grown
so selfish now. But wasn't he always so?
Perhaps he sees what always was?

We find ways to cope with forgotten dreams
and cease to struggle as we slowly numb
to all the gifts we bear and yearn for.
But spare us mirrors about our selves...
We do not wish to see.

Even so, I pray to God
for mercy on this villain, I,
too weak to stand for long
upon his feet God-given.
Teach me to walk and see
the hero in me.

+ By John Rieping on Sunday night, May 13, A.D. 2007

[alaide]

I have to say that the first quartet pretty much expressed what I've been trying to verbalize for some months now. I specially like "sees his face in every epic life."

my only criticism would be the word "villain." I really don't know what it is but it doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the poem.

But overall, really really strong. good job.

[raindear]

Wow, I really enjoyed that....

I think Alaide is right though, villain seems a little harsh and jarring.

[jesserimshas]

I disagree about "villain." I love the rythm of the line-- "for mercy on this villain, I."
It is jarring, but I think that's what I like about it.

Very well done.