It’s hard to admit
That you are old
Done chasing and ready
To sit and remember
The first things to
Float are those hoped
Forgotten that sting bite
And buzz about obnoxiously
Next the lily pads
Tethered to something deeper
But seeing their beauty
As they open up
And finally clear water
Which is nothing actually
Actually it is nothing
Which are my fondest
Peaceful memories of all
There’s comfort in knowing
Someone else well like
Knowing somewhere else well
The hole in walls
Places with the best
Of all the things
Hidden to the others
Arms lips food drink
Somewhere someone knows you
So well just enough
Some people just know
He’s one for me
Knows where to land
Both tickle and punch
Not that he’s quick
Or even very precise
But I lower hands
And expose my flesh
And off he goes
Playing whack a mole
With my outstretched chin
And my naked feet
And oh of course
My heart and mind
He’s naturally my boo
My corner man too
Strength is one thing
And power is another
Power is taken or
Assigned it is corrupt
It demeans and disgusts
But strength burns in
The hearts of righteousness
It is the flame
That attracts and drives
It will overcome power
Strength is the hope
Taking back what’s stolen
There comes a time
In every man’s life
When growing from sapling
To tree from trying
To doing and from
Student to teacher only
He knows when it’s
Time to push out
To bud then shade
And eventually fall only
To start over again
Until he becomes something
Else a door floor
Or even a memory
HARLAN DIDRICKSON 