No one person knows the man inside the man,
Wherein there lies such agony untold.
Bold he was on outward glance, the sideways glance
That other persons would surreptitiously sneak
While walking past, perchance they’d peek, to
Know more of the man, but bold the man remained.

Bold, through shining face and professions of
Contentment and gratitude, satisfaction, and happiness –
A fortitude unmet in many men.
A smile came unrestrained,
A laugh in spontaneity,
Though smiles and laughs and a talkative charm
Would see the man through all encounters.

At least the encounters with those other people,
The one’s whose sideways curiosity, afforded
Them a glance, and too, the ones whose curiosity
Became an interest (they ventured forth to enquire
As to the man’s well-being – caring, it would seem).

Counselling them to worry not, he would quell their
Curiosity and satisfy his needs. He’d invite them all to tea.
The taking of a cup of tea, to satisfy his social needs,
Also did seem satisfactory to his guests.

In their quest for conversation much trivia was explored.
No exchange of real anything took place.
After taking tea together, parting was mere formality.
Their minds were mutually at ease.

Alas, mere fortune’s outward gleamings
Cannot show the inner feelings,
The man inside the man whom no one knows.
The taking of the tea, with cold company
Keeps the man cold, and colder inside.

Those inner feelings remain untold,
Though outward appearances were bold
Those unheard agonies remain,
Corroding the mind when lonely, bitter
Contemplation was inescapable.

When the tea was gone, the guests were gone,
There were no appearances to keep up.
The sideways glance was not taken,
Blinds were closed, doors were locked;
Contemplation was inescapable.
Such is the agony of discontent.
Such is his agony.