S uccessful as a younger man
the grind became my home
and I — a conduit of worry
could I keep up the crazy pace
years spun wild as a top
around faster ever faster
life layering its patina
etched deeply in my face
suddenly — no longer young
now looking back from 76
I’ve known triumph — also tragedy
both have laid down heavy licks
I’ve borrowed bought — even stole
strayed through several shades of grey
but have I leveraged away my soul
just to play this fleeting game
I pray I’ll not end up an old man
gazing lonely out my window
trying hard just to remember
exactly how long it has rained
not sitting silent by the fire
lost in somber contemplation
wondering if all I lost
was worth what it was I gained
I gained my memories
huddled ’round me
sweet and still
I cherish each one dearly
for long as I can
I will
*
Happy Thanksgiving!
May you create a lifetime of memories this holiday season.
rob kistner © 2022
Poetry at: dVerse