Signature day

He waits by the door
long after others have left

a sheaf of papers in his hand
that his parents have signed in pencil

"I have to sign this and give it in,
it's due today" he says

But I need help...
"To read what's in it?" I ask

No, he remarks, looks down at me
as he towers over
and whispers

'What is a signature?
I don't have one'

So we get to work
I explain the concept to him
Unique
A combination of his first and last name
that he can repeat over and over
if required:
so the driver's licence and the bank card
look the same
and they know it's him

He nods
and doodles
and leaves

And that afternoon he tells me
triumphant

I did it
I handed it in
I wasn't late
I have a signature

FY is out into the world
And he is smiling.