an honest appraisal

the disappointment in
your voice was
measured

at the beginning of
my trial by
blood, you were
encouraging &
forgiving

i am no
longer the
man of that
green
time;

no more
driving energy;
gone, the intensive
mind

these were
gifts, & we
pray for their
return

my soul is
my own &
perseverance is
my chosen
course

if i have
failed, it can
never be
a failure
of the
heart