Over seventy-six years 

Feeling, growing, and learning

The poetry of life

And the cruelty of deception

I still now wonder 

As often as I regret

How we might have taken another path

Together with souls who cared

To become more human

By lifting those who were born with less

Healing others led astray 

To believe they could command

But not understand and accept

That dignity is the birthright of all

And the beauty of time well spent

In seeking a deeper truth

That humility can teach.