The Bubble Wrap Man

Swathed in plastic sheets To protect him.
He may look bulky now But he’s so delicate.

And each word Pops a bubble.

Beneath his armour, He isn’t alien,
Or angry,
Just scared.

Of hurting himself.

He looks in the mirror, Pop, pop, pop.

He walks down the street, Pop, pop, pop.

The bubble wrap man Crackles and pops Like a fire
Destroying.

He’s protected himself,
But the people who love him Just bounce off now.
A human bouncy castle With all the fun drained out.

He’s oblivious,
Deaf.
The only words that penetrate

Say pop, pop, pop.

By Eleanor Rhodes-Leeder