a bitter baton

na.

the glimmer of all possible change

found in the eyes of youth

the rage & wonder

the romance & foundation of all peaceful & loving possibility

wash over you when you encounter it,

because it’s just something that you remember

being so valuable

when you yourself knew it

so very long ago,

but the wrinkles replace the wonder &

anger takes over the romance,

as each passing day brings less possibility---

there is most certainly a vitality that may not leave

but it has encountered so much loss &

gained so very much pain that a numbness lurks

just behind the eyes

that have forgotten how to tear up,

so when encountering this young person

who has a world to change &

a whole lot of energy to change it

along with a heart the size of jupiter &

a seemingly endless supply of

hope,

one so battered should do their best not to pass on the

bitter baton---

beat ourself to death with it before

letting such a chance fade of our own

withered accord, for

this whole world is not ours to ruin.