TRAPPED

I really felt I could
help the fella that saw
me last Friday.

But the one that called me
today I know I cannot help.

They occupy the same body,
these two.
And in my office, beneath my
hands, one understands and
senses the change he needs.

The one on the phone
wants a report to the authorities
detailing how much worse he
is since I touched him.

That's what I'll write.
But it will be a half-truth.

And the man I felt I could help
will remain undescribed, quiet,
and trapped inside the other.


Barrett L. Dorko