Sixty-one has stumbled
through the fire
In which all pain and heartbreak must be burned.
X-rays show the bones beneath desire
Thinned by what the days and years require
Yet braced by what of glory she has
learned.
One moment beyond fear can
life inspire.
Needs fade as dreams of sovereignty retire,
Even those for which she long has
yearned.
Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.