The awkward age of realization
That there's a forest as well as the trees
And their shadows are now moving eastward
Soon there'll be fewer days to seize
Have already lived for two lifetimes
Hoping to live another two
Make good on the promise of your childhood
Before Father Time takes his due
To marshal your energy and wisdom
Make your mark and gently fade away
Leaving a legacy of treasures
Not debts for posterity to pay
The halftime is for redirection
With precision you must aim your force
Do it well, mind the heart's imperfection
All else will be yours in due course
stephen h. smith MAR6 2003
