A Beanie Without A Face

• James Navaratne, Grade 11
• Poetry
• 2010

He walks through the mall buried in his beanie
Appearing as common as the beige paint
That encloses him. No one moves or gives
Leeway as they walk and socialise, only
Making a last-moment attempt to care.

Dressed in darkness, appearance not a factor;
Hiding himself in his shadows of silence and despair.
The outside world fades in an out being forcedly
Drowned by his music, while remaining distorted at
Its speed and defined purpose.

He wonders for the sake of wondering,
Not going to, but just going. As they walk by they
Glare at him, screaming preconceptions in their
Minds. He can hear them, and he firmly replies;
But only with his uncanny confidence.

He sits in the corner lunch in hand,
Sitting with no one, looking at no one
Thinking of no one. In his corner, he appears
To the world like a smudge on a page, flint on a
Jumper or off-centre cutlery: unmoved by some,
Yet an ostentatious rebellion to others.

-James Navaratne
Year 11