Born in the gutter I was not // far from it removed I was // a roof covered most of my crown jewels shimmering // a leaky bucket in gold acovered withering // I grew in length and aptitude // scholarly visit were regular occurrence // with age came understanding // though not as expected // the world seemed different // scary and nasty // I withdrew from it all // with nobody caring // no questions asked or suggestions sharing // a life in solitude // a narrow path of flight // the only route of escape was through the gutter downspout