Bleave Them Their Armor Poem by Barry A. Lanier

He watched him from the corner of the room-
head down, pen in hand,
trying to remain focused on
the paper in front of him-
intent yet struggling-
forever struggling.

Only fifteen,
he had seen his share of troubles-
family problems,
drugs and alcohol,
abuse.
From their conversations,
He understood his rebellious spirit.

he sought an identity-
in a world defined by cliches
he sought permanence-
in a world where nothing endures,
except change.
for a brief moment he looked up-
our eyes met, and he gave me
a foolish grin

The one that used to make me-
want to backhand him,
yet I smiled in return,
for I am wiser now.
and I also have visited his
world.

For when you live in a world-
where change has been-
the only constant in life,
you more often than not,
cling to your armor.
foolish grins-
no exception.