Time has steadily tempered
the very essence of my soul.
Now I voluntarily relinquish
what I thought I could control.

The years seem to be, to me
an improvised audition
for a lifelong production
with no intermission.

Every memory, each moment,
all the people I know
are scenes and performers
in this magnificent show.

Each year I grow older,
I feel emotions expanding.
What once bordered on anger
is now understanding.

The indifference I'd practiced
as a petulant youth
was replaced with compassion
when faced with the truth.

If I would have known
the pages I was turning
when life was teaching the lessons
I never knew I was learning,

I would've been more attentive,
and slowed down my pace
if I had known how quickly
there'd be wrinkles on my face.

I am tempered; I am calm.
Every day life teaches more.
I am centered; I am strong,
each day, better than before.

---

© Linda Ellis. All rights reserved.