Early, the chosen one
Invested in superiority.
But life demurred
Measurables fell short.
No real enemy
The competition gracious.
Yet wanting, believing
Some throne to be his.
Suffering alone
Confessing to no one
Least of all self.
Thinking he conceals
Yet hurting the other
In unrealized ways.
Smiling outwardly
But inwardly, both
Prisoner and warden.
Russel G. Winick began writing poetry at nearly age 65, after concluding a long legal career. His poems have appeared or been selected for publication by The Society of Classical Poets, Blue Unicorn, and Lighten Up Online.
Sparks of Calliope 