The Making of a Man

Today was the day his dreams would be realized. The path had been long and sometimes difficult. Toiling in his cramped room. Cramped not by walls but by stuff. Plates, cups, books, so many clothes he had not seen the floor for years. His mother had complained, friend would not come over yet he took no notice. The need to succeed was growing in him. Like a vital organ there was no removing it. It had started in a magical place where learning was like breathing and nourishment came from books and words. He had brought this joyous madness home with him. It knew no barriers. Crossing vast lands and expansive bodies of water it was here with him and he continued. But today would be different. Today it would end. He had succeeded. The consuming, feasting need would be fed. He opened the box. It was there just like he had dreamt all those years. He picked it up and caressed the cover. He ran his fingers across the words By Drew Klopfer.

(My son does not want to be identified)