The Strongest Medicine

Suddenly, at the cheerless threshold of old age,

And with a nagging touch of hypochondria,

I'm caught between skepticism and optimism

About my voyage in life and my cargo of regrets,

My soul has scars that were left by errors

In the quest for my share of sun, sky, air and light,

My daily bread, water, and shelter for the night,

From the rising of the sun to the going down thereof.

One's past is not a life sentence. It's a lesson to be learned.

Destiny always seems decades away, but suddenly it's not.

It's right now, this minute, right here, upon this very spot.

I want an end that comes towards me slowly, like my old dog,

Who would place his head in my lap wanting to be petted.

I am a defender of the status quo, not ready for the future shock

That is already here, but isn't equally distributed.

Doubts may flit about me and block my access to the light,

But tears shed before God are the strongest medicine.

The Holy Spirit lives within me and will never let me down.

I will pray continuously for peace of mind and peace on earth

Even to the last clod of dirt thrown upon my grave. 

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