The Pearl Inside

The Pearl Inside



I’ll never forget the day that it came.
It came sooner to others,
My pain is the same.

There was no forewarning
As I looked in the mirror,
Middle age glared out and shouted
I am here!

I’d thrown out the sheet music; I’d played my life free,
Setting my own tempo for what was to be.
But now I am impotent, so out of control,
My mirror tells me, darling, life has taken its toll.

I see wrinkles forming, and age spots appear
I see what is coming, and old age - I fear.
Once aging starts marching, there is no retreat,
A million good surgeons can’t stop it for keeps.

The puzzle of a person that I’d come to be
Moved to the window, and stared out to the sea.
I pondered a pearl in an oyster, which over the years,
Becomes larger, more lustrous, while growing to be.
I thought, a pearl in the making, is my soul, it is me.

Like the shell of the oyster, my body is scarred and its worn
But the pearl of my soul is more loving and strong.
Its luster more glowing now with more love than hate,
More open to goodness before it’s too late.

The fog slowly lifted, sun came, I could see
Besides dreaded aging, sat things yet to be.
A life full of purpose, warm friendships a new,
And much more to savor, good works yet to do.

Escape from aging has but one door. I choose not to exit,
I want more.
I want more.