Wading chest deep
The wind
Is pressed from my lungs

In the vise 
Of daily squalor 
My ceaseless 
Masculine war

“Take the reins”
Is the mindless refrain
Instilled in all sons
In the blossoming hearts of kings

”Seize the helm”
Falls away from my ears
As a quiet reverie 
Cold and long forsaken 

Still I wade
Chest deep 
Armed with feign composure

Having mended
My train of thought
Striding from the blaze 
To the jeers of watchful kin