It wasn’t that long ago

A few years or so

When mane of hair was thick and long

And sparrows bowed to the peacock’s song.

The years slipped by but not the reign

Skills and endowments still remain

Impetuous youth replaced by grace

No longer willing to run the race.

A mislead journey from here to there

There turned out to be anywhere

Leading the way with each tread

All the while destiny led.

Each petal dropped from rose to ground

The flower dies without a sound

A face in the mirror full of doubt

Is looking back from inside out.

Where once the pack would easily follow

The alpha crown now just feels hollow

With a heavy chest and the longest sigh

I now offer these words from one old guy.