He shuffles papers
rearranges his
pristine proposals
work product he thinks
measures a man’s worth
despite attempts to
loosen tight collar
roll up his sleeves and
breathe, breathe easier
driving ambition
pushes him under
pulls him fast forward.

Fleeting times when he
tells himself the truth
he imagines life
above beyond and
surfaces for air
still this is a world
he knows inside out
can conquer and climb
where he thrives succeeds
thanks to illusion
that so many still
need him to sit stay
go on lead the way.

Familiar comfort
office coffee break
conversation when
routine lulls him with
repetition soothes
until again he
remembers how he
left her out upon
open sea because
he knew it was no
illusion he knew
he needed her he
knew she needed him.

Above all else he
knew he knew this much
that love’s surrender
acknowledgement of
what he felt would mean
diminished esteem
in eyes of others
and would require
significant change
upheaval in fact
not to mention cost
to legacy still
he shuffles papers.