Man's Room Poem by Robert Rorabeck

Now is the time to admit defeat.
At the airport people look prettier
Because they are more frightened.
Without possession,
They may soon become lost,
As very soon they will fly
And their legs will become
All but useless.
They are leaving behind
A beloved family,
Or going to see estranged relations.
Seated by strangers,
They might unwontedly
Fall in love.
Passengers, they must adhere
To the will of their conductors.
Often drunk,
To be set down in
Unfamiliar surroundings,
Into lives that are already
Taking place,
To move around
People who are settled
And aware—
Who are comfortable
Contributing to dinner
Conversations;
Who hold hands when they
Pray and make love peacefully
And faithfully
Before they sleep.
In the quiet of that night
You can only lie there
And listen to your
Frightened breathing.
All your life,
The duration of your trip
Here in Man’s Room
Where the distance between
You and your home is
Expanding exponentially.