Stunted Man

I never escaped
that awkward
teenage stage

I just could not find
that damn conduit
that led
to adult self confidence

There comes a point
in every search party
when the batteries
start to die
and the lights flicker
before becoming one
with the permanent darkness

At this late stage
of my arrested development
I have at least 
finally come to grips
with grudging acceptance
that I am what I am not

At the end of our performance
this should be more than enough