Canyons

Canyons

Never good enough

His mantra 

Memories of Father

Screamed critiques

Daily penance

For the crime of existence

Death brought no reprieve

Father’s voice moved inward

Reflected in the eyes

Of passersby

And coworkers

Whenever he dared

Venture from his room

His inner sanctum

Canyons divided

Natural barrier against the pain

Of never measuring up

To expectations 

He’ll never understand

He loves canyons

He stands on the edge 

And looks down 

River runs rapidly

Through the vast desert

Of his life

He screams his frustrations

His voice returns

Like a friend

No longer alone

He smiles