The sun shone bright
In early days
When gilded dragons swam
Through endless skies.
And the nights were dark
As papa’s coffee. Monsters lurked
In all the shadows,
Claws twisted and sharp.
But the covers offered
A warm, snug haven
For my mind to wander
On and on.
Love burned hot
In early days, drunk
On ladies’ laughter.
The flick of a hip
Or the touch of their gaze
Cast my cheeks aflame
And my heart in stutter.
My brother, my friend.
My friends, my brothers.
Never did I suffer a sour thought
Without a tight embrace
Or patient ear.
In early days,
I knew nothing
Of this stale, shattered reality.
He Who Wanders 