by Clarence Lamberth

Created on: December 10, 2009   Last Updated: December 12, 2009

The Stranger


I entered the world as a stranger,
And have lived my life as such,
Even in childhood recollection,
I see but a testament to as much.

Both parents and siblings alike,
Seemed very little more to me,
Than just vague, familiar shadows,
I could never quite touch or see.

Oh, I loved them all in my way,
And hoped they loved me too,
Nevertheless I felt the intruder,

Despite all they could say or do.

It seemed I never did quite fit in,
Regardless of what the situation,
Nor ever felt wholly welcome,
An outsider on extended visitation.

As a river to the sea life moved on ,
Sweeping me ever along on its tide,
Through years and circumstances,
Just an interloper on an aimless ride.


I awoke to find myself in wedlock,
With one I cannot hope to know,
Very soon came laughing children,
Acceptance slowly began to grow.

I loved them so and they loved me,
I started to feel I might, just belong,
But time flew and soon they’d gone,
Again life seemed somehow wrong.

The years fly on and with them life,
Strength gives in to frailty and strain,
Inexorably reality dawned upon me,
Born a pariah and thus shall I remain.

Then, from beyond the gloom and toil,
Burst grandchildren with joyous light,
Childish love giving the outcast pause,
Well, just maybe, life could be alright.

But as quickly they grow to maturity,
Love and trust slowly slip out of place,
As they begin to recognize the stranger,
They, too, will shun his detestable face.

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