“There comes a time, 

In every man’s life,

When he realizes he’s alive.”



The old man threw his

Cigarette into a bush.

(It reminded the boy

Of the Burning Bush,

And how the voice had come from it).



The space between the man’s lips

Grew exponentially,

Slowly un-sticking themselves

From their cracked embrace.



“See, the first time you bleed

(A real man’s blood, not

A boy’s blood)

You feel the salt and the power.

And then you’re alive.”



The boy held his head back

Stared up

At the sky, 

Pushing away the memories that

Had brought him to this position.



“You can’t go through 

Not knowing what pain is.

You have to be a man

Holding coals in your fists

Fighting a good fight.”



The surreal words swirled above 

The boy’s face.



Blood streamed down his 

Cheek, like tears.



“You have to



Live.”