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

It's rare wisdom
to live a life of silence