We're All Queer In Our Own Way:

[popeye]

I think you have captured male adolescence in it's full glory here billy, from their skylarking,

through peer pressure, the teasing and the possible consequence of that, one lad feeling left out of

it, even though he was encouraged to join in the fun, his reasons for remaining a bit of a loner

arn't stated but I'm left with the thought that his drinking before killing his father was on his

own, lack of understanding for his condition being quite normal for young people, then the question,

did he kill his dad on purpose?, was his withdrawal from the crowd due to some family problem which he

kept bottled up? When his mates found out they were shaken by it all, suddenly maturing to the point

where they questioned themselves about their behavior towards him and realising too late that they

had really lost a friend? I could ramble on for ever about the various scenarios but I'll give you a break and leave it there!

A very good poem about the 'bitter/sweet' of growing up, thanks for that mate, a most thought

provoking and enjoyable read. Cheers