Depression Poems - The Boy at The Backstop

by Mike Hall
(Denver)

Hi Laura,

Greetings from Colorado!

Thought you might enjoy this poem and that it might alert people that depression is a "kid thing" too.

Best regards,

Mike

The Boy At The Backstop
By: Mike Hall

We drove slowly north on Downing Street
heading to Porter Hospital
when a young boy caught my eye
He stood apart from classmates
who excitedly played basketball and tag

The hood of his tan sweatshirt was pulled
down and nearly concealed his face
He leaned against the baseball backstop
far from the kids who didn't seem to notice him

The boy's head was bowed and I wondered
what he was thinking....and why he was so alone
Did he have a bad experience in class
or was his life at home the source of the sadness
that covered him like a fog on a cold November morning

Perhaps he was merely one of the kids who just
doesn't seem to fit in with the kids
who seem to have it all together
Maybe he was afraid of the bully
who had victimized him in the hall before recess

I wish I could have stopped the car and
met him near home plate.....that I could have looked
into his eyes and tried to bring a ray of hope to his day

Such a pity that a boy not even ten should
have to feel so alienated and alone....that no one
in his class could see his pain and reach out to him

I hope he finds one special teacher or one trusted
friend who can help bring the light back to his eyes
I know I'll look for him again in four weeks
when I return for my follow up appointment with Dr. Evans

I'll leave a little early and buy a card and
a large chocolate chip cookie at Safeway

Just in case....
just in case I'm meant to be that
friend who can help lift the fog
that shrouds the forgotten boy at the backstop

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I am my brother's keeper. The world needs your tuned in, kind heart, Mike. Thanks! Laura