I have been many things
before becoming who I am.
I have been a youth callow and yearning.
I have been a worker eager and hopeful.
I have been a leader forceful and dynamic.
I have been a lover gentle and callous.
I have been a father caring and failing.
I have become old and wrapped in my memories.
I have assumed a multitude of shapes
before becoming wrinkled and huddled beside the fire.
I have been strong and nimble like a young deer.
I have been blackened by sweat and toil.
I have been dressed in the finest clothing
my belly full of the best foods and drink..
I have been deranged by passion and drained in despair.
I have been covered in a child’s tears and puke.
I have been all these and many others but soon I will
become just a memory and then no more.