After the utmost helplessness
the sufferer draws from his deepest resources
hitherto undiscovered and untapped
and mysteriously such plight he has conquered -

the human spirit can't be broken
no part of it can ever be stolen:
it takes the greatest pain for its resurrection
no ally does he need--- he struggles and triumphs alone

Less is manageable
more is trouble

I can't even teach myself
how could I any other?

People with extreme views
should be avoided
otherwise they would
have you voided

Let your day
be a silent prayer

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!