Rather than
allowing Oneself
to get upset and flustered-
lashing out in negativity;
seek to transmute that Energy
into beneficial positivity:
set out to make it right.

Such self-discipline is truly auspicious.

To be young with you,

(to hug with rusty elbows, screeching
beneath damp spring attire
from a hundred and seven seasons ago
to untangle the wrinkles of regret
that distorted our smiles
and rearrange our faces into hymns
for the lives we didn’t live
In the midst of it all: the comfort
of rediscovering
the shyness behind your ears)

To be young with you.