Thurman P. Woodfork

THE PETER PAN PRINCIPLE

Peter Pan Statue in Hyde Park, LondonMany a lost boy wanders this world
clutching youth to his breast;
immature souls who halfheartedly try
and, unfortunately, fail the tests

That would raise them to manhood,
teach them to govern their reactions,
enhance the mental maturity
to be responsible for their actions.

They become sullen, pout and rant
if their smallest desire is thwarted;
these are symptoms of a maturation
that, sadly, has been aborted.

Practiced delegators of authority,
they prefer to be second in command
and avoid the accountability
that lies in the Captain’s hands.

They’re fated to forever stand apart
eclipsed in the shadows of others,
filled with envy and jealousy of
the ‘easy’ successes of their brothers.

It doesn’t matter what they achieve,
whether they live in palace or tent;
they remain emotional juveniles
… though one did become President.