Manfred's poem
My family cares for me,
I know that.
So why are these thoughts invading my head?
Why do I feel that when my father orders me
To 'take care' of one of the endowed
(When surely, really, they are one of my own?)
And Grandpa asks me to help him in his experiments
(Even though all they do is make me feel useless)
That my life only exists inside these stone walls?
What would I be without this ancient building?
This fortress of my soul?
Without it, I wonder, would I be like them?
That Bone and Sage and Torrson?
Is that why
While I am here staring out of the fretwork of a cold window
At the world that is alien to me
They are out there within it.
I used to think that the only reason they all met up
Was because they wanted to
Plot and scheme and bring me down.
But it occurs to me,
As I sit here alone,
What if they see each other because
They enjoy each others company?
What a strange notion.
Or maybe it is an age old idea that
Can only exist on those outside?
(Those ruled only by their hearts and their brains, not their family)
An idea that, to me,
Sitting alone in my home,
My vast prison,
Is unattainable.
Aww, poor Manny! :(