Vulnerability

[Rob]

^{Vulnerability}




Inside this weathered skin is a small fragile man


who is looking ahead,


timid, shy and now hesitant


as signs of later life color more each day
,

close calls, weakened hearing and seeing

,
slower instincts, lengthening fears.



Unlike before when risks were taken as routine,


a caution has been born,


though I do not want to live a sleepy life


so I will seek the edge between daring and safe



I have learned that life moves on and I carry
the price of who I am.


Pain in joints, shortened memory,


clinging to faith that often disappears.




A larger shadow than before


a loss of what I used to be and do,


I have arrived at where I never knew


inside the man remains the boy he was,


as in the boy had been the man he has become.



Keeping score has been replaced by touching each moment,


haste by the button that says pause.


Scores has been settled, forgiveness sought,


where we are different a bridge appears.


I wonder when and how I will die



I sit on the beach, at night, with the moon,


I hear poetry, as the waves move the sand.

,
My soul enlarges, a sea turtle finds her place,


I count my days, breathing in the gift of life.



Vulnerability has found my heart.


I protect the discovery, as it sings,
and stirs, and comes alive.