Her words rasp at his flesh

and tear his manhood;

splintered,

he picks up the pieces and goes to his

dead-end job

to be passed over for the next promotion,

 dignity flayed.

His progeny

taunt his mannerisms behind his back,

and chip away at his character

with teeth drilled to

fine points.

When the financial storm hits,

and his trunk shatters,

who will hear one more tree

falling in the forest?