The boy lived
With the hopes of wine
Something soothing
Something sublime

The boy hoped
For the love of her
Something different
Something sure

The boy loved
All the ease she brought
Something beautiful
Something sought

The boy eased
Into the life she rendered
Something exquisite
Something surrendered

The boy lived
Without the doubt he’d held
Something changed
Something expelled

The boy doubted
All the world would see
Something splendid
Something free

The boy whirled
With the joy he’d acquired
Something unexpected
Something required

© 2023 Michelle Cook

---

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/nature-people-autumn-boy-couple-2941085/