The Man

A poem from “The Plague.”

A man possessed
driven by fear,
but not for himself
another’s life hangs in the balance
time is the enemy,
restlessly passing,
not caring whom it destroys

A man driven
compelled beyond reason,
searching for healing
for his dying friend
puzzled by the apathy
of those in control
trying to convey the urgency

A man frantic
pushing and shoving
shouting and screaming
his frustration and rage
but no one will help him
so he keeps pressing on,
driven by the bond of love

A man hopeless
standing and watching,
unable to help.
his friend gasps for air,
the pain too much
his tortured body
pushed to its limit

A man desperate
he stands too controlled,
emotionless, his energy gone
an ultimatum.
one final plea
to the one man who cares
almost as much.

A man pleading
begging his friend
to just hang on
salvation is coming
in the form of a hit man
who somehow found
a piece of his heart

A man jubilant.
his friend is restored
and walks beside him
all is right
the world is balanced
his shattered heart
is once again whole