Wallpaper

He has something to say, but he won't say it. He doesn't like the sound of his own voice. Truth is, he never gives himself the chance to really hear it. He resents himself in every way.
He's standing with a group. He listens carefully to what they discuss. The topic is familiar. He is informed and he wishes to share. He forms an opinion, phrases it carefully in his mind and reviews it many times. He waits for a lapse. It comes. He speaks.
Too soft. No one heard. He dare not be louder for the fear of sounding foolish, too eager or too childish.
He flushes. The conversation revives, but the subjected has drifted. He is crestfallen.
He steps back, against the wall. He feels he belongs there. The wallpaper.