Don't judge me
you don't know me enough
as I'd not render
unto you such-

let's lead our own lives
each in  grace and in good faith
only our own business we'll mind
silently our joys to celebrate

our own sorrows to gently bear
with courage, without bitterness
unknown to the world outside
in our singular loneliness

my final hour will arrive
this same path we'll tread
each their own farewell to bid
nothing else would need to be said

I ain't young
any more
time has spoken
but I don't deplore

you'll see me
at the dance-hall
in rhythm and rhyme
unfazed at all

I'll be at the village-fair
to taste the latest ware
and admire the ladies
in their best flashy wear

if invited I'll go
to the stage to sing
though not a good singer
I'll give my everything

don't you say to me:
I'm too old and a useless thing
my heart is the green meadow still
I'm as buoyant as the brightest spring!

Retreat
isn't defeat
nor cowardice-
it's courage
to step back
in patience
and humility
to reflect
to later return
to exercise
the right act-

never mind
the mockery faced
hold your own
in gentleness :
be unscathed
nothing can shake
the foundation
of your faith:
there's no need
to be fazed
or react

be calm
in equilibrium
be set-
from the highest mountain
look down to earth
alone
but unafraid-
a conqueror
you shall emerge!

My name is missing
from the list
what a joy
what a relief!

Since I know myself
why would I want
to be known by anyone else?

I want to be useful and helpful
not selfish, famous or powerful

When I'm too sure
I begin to doubt
it could be illusion
that sets this about