Tell Freddy everything about how he fails,
push your chin forward, carry your skull high.
When he doesn’t hear, it’s worse than failing;
low grade interference boiling up,
cement in his eyelids, and he sees you
wondering how he manages to live.
Last night, Freddy’s wife told him he’s gross
and disgusting, which may sound mild,
but she told him that when he was in the only place
where he stands a chance of being safe,
where he stands a chance of living and not loving
the strong Oak limb.
Push your face into that phone and be scummy
while all he wanted to do is to read, to learn.
If you tell Freddy he’s a no-good hack, far too short
in the talent tank, where does he go to live?
.
stillfugue 
#1 by Hudson Howl on October 2, 2012 - 2:22 pm
Freddy could go deep deep within. Freddy could turn to alcohol and drug or other. Freddy could say enough is enough and just learn to be Freddy again. Sad though, the Freddys’ can not even turn to those closes as they either have social blinders on or just as broken in different ways. So, how does Freddy get fixed? Of those who do get fixed, wonder how many in the end, despite those who take credit for it, fix themselves?
Very direct and very insightful and this just my interpretation or first impression.
#2 by Carl on October 6, 2012 - 4:22 pm
Thank you for your comment. Your insightful comments are helpful.
#3 by Carl D'Agostino on October 2, 2012 - 5:04 pm
far too short
in the talent tank,
He needs help growing.
#4 by Carl on October 6, 2012 - 4:24 pm
Yes, and I need help growing.
#5 by Poetry and Musings on October 5, 2012 - 9:45 pm
awwwww…poor Freddy, he needs a new wife, someone who appreciates him and loves him the way he is!!!
#6 by Carl on October 6, 2012 - 4:27 pm
Ah, yes, acceptance should be a primary quality from all of our loved ones.
#7 by joanna on October 16, 2012 - 8:54 pm
yes, acceptance from loved ones is a must. freddy deserves better. the sad part is that he’s unlikely to realize it. if you see him, tell him.
that last couplet is a beaut, the estocada a muerte, the death thrust that hits the reader square in the gut & sends him home.
#8 by Carl on October 21, 2012 - 9:17 pm
Thank you, Joanna. I appreciate your kind words.
#9 by Hawkruh on October 20, 2012 - 10:45 am
all he wanted to do is to read, to learn … how discouraged he feels with such a simple and noble desire.
#10 by Carl on October 21, 2012 - 9:18 pm
Yes, these moments are hopefully not permanent.