Not having experienced
Unconditional love,
Memories of harshly
Intoned words,
Belittling snide looks,
Constant jabs at
Budding self-esteem
Pervade unsettled sleep.
He becomes a leader and
Is faced with the
Universal choice:
Compassion or retribution.
He looks deep inside,
Finds nothing to draw upon
But a staggering
Compulsion to vanquish.