Growth

Inexorable progression even in regression
as pleasure and pain toss us to and fro
like so many pins and pieces
parlor game
implements
yet nobility of heart begs
to differ
yes i am suffering yes
a patina has developed over my features
a copper sheen burnished to a bronzen gleam
by cleansing fire and scrapes with catastrophy
drawing furrows across my psyche
yet it is sweet
it enables me to be tender towards
my fellow creatures
cherish them without limits to empathy
as only one is able who has felt
the pangs keenly
and received a shine of caring
which can be deciphered in deep-set eyes
which don't falter yet cannot sting
as melodies chime in
which carry over hills and valleys and plateaus and mesas
i am ready to love again for i don't mind
living