The Functionalist

Violence witnessed
Far too young,
Father hurt mother.
In front of him,
Broke a door.
Her eyes vacant,
Body limp
As assault
After assault,
Took her
Away.

Across from me,
His face feature full
Blue orbs,
Lips parted when still.
His 50 years cannot
Hide the child.

Self preservation intact.
I am upright,
Tentative,
His story,
Sinks in.

There is no
Reward system, for him.
Learned reduction of
Dopamine,
No expectations,
No wants,
No cravings.
He is simply
A functionalist,
He is Meursault.

This permeates
My mind.
As my wants,
Needs
Cravings
Obsessions
Become all I am.
They are precious
To me.  

I see him,
It's all I can do
To not extend my heart.
For which, he would
Never understand.
Tuck him inside
My safety.
Reverse time,
Give him a chance,
To know
Mother.