I sit before you a shadow of my former self, where once I would have reflected all that is you, Now I absorb your freely beamed energy, hoping to feel the way I did before so long ago My strength is my inner wisdom, not the outer shell; although still handsome some would say A depth of character resonates from “those eyes” dark black/brown still smouldering, still alive, knowing The delights of the body still wanting, occasionally satisfied, the mind plays tricks, for a while young again Ambition becomes survival; action becomes interest and discussion, finally knowledge and experience A struggle for acceptance or a path cut into my psyche through the ignorance of youth and inexperience or Was it the innocence of not knowing and the eagerness of an open mind with a thirst for facts and the truth. The incomprehension of reality continues to acceptance “I am older now” my life thus far an adventure, Limited by health and financial restriction, inventiveness rules the day, a shared belief a shared involvement.