The leaves have fallen,
  the birds did sing

Memory lingers,
  tomorrow brings

A promise spoken,
  a solemn vow

The present honored,
—all faith avowed

The years enlighten,
  as age sets in

While youth remembered,
   still burns within

The gates now beckon,
  their pearl’s endear

My heart unburdened,
—the time is near

(Villanova Pennsylvania: April, 2017)