Another year draws to a close

More memories to be filed away

Still worth the effort I suppose

Though many are not here to say

I drift back to my early years

When age meant something different

Of daring dos and facing fears

Exploring one's own judgement

Today the judgement's more uncertain

The fear's another kind

To peek behind the future's curtain

Unprepared for what I'll find

Self reliance is a weakening shield

Its protection wearing thin

Still a stubborn posture not to yield

Knowing in time I must give in

Where went that family rock

The ever positive foundation

Now a cautious eye upon the clock

An encroaching indication

It has a lot to do with pride

'Just foolish', many say

But still you feel life's thickened hide

Slowly dissolve away

Surrendering self because of need

Emasculates the soul

And defiance of the act to cede

Becomes the futile goal

This self pity I disdain

It is not the person who I see

I chose my moments to complain

This just isn't me . . .

But the strongest will still has an end

And it's best not to disguise

Comes a time we must depend

And that's a truth to realize