Not Boy, Not Man

[“Not Boy, Not Man” 12x12, available at the #135show this Sat] His neck is skinny, his legs are long. He’s always tired and always hungry. He’s too old for the kids table, but not always invited to the adult one. He’s typecast as walking hormones, but has a head filled with deep thoughts. He voices opinions and ideas that he’s convinced he was the first one to think of, if only the world would’ve asked him, he knows all the answers. He has his first taste of paychecks, first taste of heartbreaks, and still a taste for all the sugar in the world with no ill-effects (except maybe that acne...). He surprises everyone with his ability to carry more of the load, help with the things that need doing. He’s strong. He surprises people with his tenderness that comes out in sweet Mother’s Day notes, kind gestures for his friends, or loving service to his siblings. He’s figuring it out. And while it’s easy to miss the adorable little boy he was, or crave the strong, mature man he’ll grow into, there is still beauty in this middle season. This season of in between that has glimpses of both those other versions and still that same heart through it all.