Spring 2006 Sisyphus - St. Louis University High School

Fr o m Bo y t o Ma n a n d Ba c k Ag a i n
Shane Lawless
I climbed atop the mountain till I reached the peak
Hoping the higher altitude would give me clear vision
If I raised myself above the throngs.
But all I did was lose my head in the clouds, clouding my vision.
I clothed myself in the glorious sun, shining for all to see,
Hoping the light would destroy any blemish on me.
But all it did was blind me with brilliance while
Allowing others to see my faults.
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I hid my countenance behind a porcelain mask,
Hoping all would admire my divine perfection.
But all I did was lose my place in the crowd among other masks,
Fading into the fog of obscurity.
I picked up the megaphone, raising it to my mouth. I spoke,
Hoping to share my inspired words with the world.
But all I did was let everyone know in an echoing voice
That I had nothing to say.
(It’s easy for a boy to learn to be a man)
Climbing down that mountain, I gazed at its majestic beauty.
Tossing aside my blanket of light, I find comfort cloaked in shadows.
Removing my mask, I see my imperfections as testaments to my humanity.
Turning off the megaphone, I learn to find wisdom in my own silence.
By descending from my lofty perch, I could see beyond the horizon.
By dwelling in shadows, I outshined the sun.
By displaying my disfigurements, I made myself beautiful.
By discussing in whispers, I heard those secrets whispered to me.
(Much harder for a man to relearn to be a boy)