To be needed or wanted, put on life’s scales…

The unknown’s, undone’s, painful despair…

But what if the middle is really the blend…

Found safe in the place of a loving friend…

The road less traveled with much to see…

The depths of compassion and being free…

To be accepted and celebrated without contest…

Or back against the wall and weight to press…

A simple vacuum where time stands still…

A place of peace and safety, acceptance fills…

Where knowledge shared and collectively built…

Like a house above the tide the tallest stilts…

I disintegrate in peril many times each day…

Pushed close to the edge but refuse to stay…

I hunker down for journey back…

This is my life and there is no lack…

I’m the man in the mirror, easy to reach…

Built by love with much to teach…

From a program of rebirth where I often meet…

Head held high upon my moving feet…

I build and I grow in ways I am proud…

No holding back from what I vowed…

More to living on the surface, please step inside…

In here there’s rest and safety abides…

Healthy loving relationship is the ultimate goal…

No scores kept just the greatest toll…

That I’ll never be able to repay, so I give ahead…

Back to life and far from dead…

I live in my mirror, but vanity not seen…

Notes taken, intent spoken, I deeply breathe…

Each day the reflection, the shading grows less…

A journey of proving ground is the intimate test…

To thine own self, is where I begin each day…

So out the door with a heart to play…

The do over is real maybe I’m the best parent…

To look after myself with esteem apparent…

Bold confidence, primary purpose, life pursuits…

Refusing to wear my finest suit…

I build and I grow with relentless abandon…

Dust off the dirt celebrating life’s companion…

It’s me again, welcome back I say…

Today was a good day, we sure did play…

See kids only know to take what they want…

Why did I ever listen to my parents’ old jaunt…

I know what’s best, take a look around…

But wait, be still, there is no sound…

It’s the gift of peace and abundantly clear…

Take all you want and away you steer…

Through crooked paths and back-alley strolls…

Building my life from personal goals…

I want to be happy, joyous & free…

Back to the mirror and reminding only me…

I love this place; the views are clear…

I look much older each time I draw near…

I’m now grown up and living my life to the best…

Thank you, Higher Power, for life’s greatest test…

Lucien B.

12/18/2023