It numbs responses, makes him feel a dull

Ambivalence to things that ought matter

To a loving family man. The full

Measure of his silent, distant chatter

Speaks of sadness his smiling face belies;

He hides it well, darkness only he sees.

What makes them happy brings to him gray skies,

Sunless days, and moonless, sleepless nights. These

Painful shadows follow him where he goes.

Helpless to escape the lingering doubt

Of his sanity, he deep inside knows

That he must drive persistent demons out.

He’s never sure he can do it alone.

But he surely knows that it must be done.