“Who knows what evil lurks

in the hearts and minds of man?”

said the sign

posted at the crossroads.

 

The young one scoffed

and walked away

laughing

down the road…of lonliness,

to the distant calling

of manhood…

 

A place from which

no one has been known

to return –

unscathed:

by slings and arrows

and that misfortune stuff…

 

That men are made of,

and women, too,

for that matter.

Though everyone took their time

admitting it to themselves

or friends

or ties that bind.

 

Yet still

the young one

walks alone.