becoming

fear seeped fast up his knees
like a happy hopeful hungry disease
his palms began to sweat and pour
like a monster’s drool from a childhood lore
his lips felt dry like a mummy’s parched
fettered in once-white bandages starched
his head began to wobble and sway
like a heathen just learning how to pray
his heart clenched till no breath dare leave
like one who has loved and lost (and now must grieve)
so he smiled and laughed like a man who must fail
and stood tall and brave and became the tale

ram cobain