The Boy and the Chasm

He didn't find solace in a punching bag
all he got was bloody hands

He couldn't find peace in memories
all he could see were his mistakes

He couldn't find relief in food or drink
his body wouldn't allow him either

He couldn't find reprieve in the stars
they seemed all too distant that night

He couldn't find hope from a friend
no one was there

It was just him - alone
desperately alone

He sat and cried
because there was nothing else for him to try

He cried until his eyes were done exercising
but the chasm remained

Finally he called out to the only one left to listen

"Will you make me joyful?
Will you make me smile?
Will you make me laugh?
Will you be my joy?"

The wind chilled his shirtless body
as he sat upon the roof waiting

No words came
but when he stood to leave he realized he could

The weight had diminished
the chasm was lessened

He shimmied down the ladder
and went inside to find his dad and tell him the day's events