The old man is standing in front of a mirror the miles and minutes of his life's journey.

The above painting inspired this poem.

____

Stories to tell
But no one to hear,
Pains to bear
But no one to share.

I stand before the mirror,
To gaze at my own reflection
I dig into the past deeper,
Etched on wrinkles with abjection.

I demanded perfection,
But I was lazy.

I yearned to be loved,
But I had the fear of rejection.

I desired to reach heights,
But I worried at the odds of failure.

I wished to chase my dreams,
But I followed everyone in the herd.

I ran away from myself,
Always, all these years
Forgot what I really wanted,
Brooding over the phantasmal fears.

Can I find you, old friend?
Filled with regret, I moan and cry,
Spreading my wings, I wanna fly,
But all my days have gone by.

O' thee youth,
Have inner faith,
What's your choice,
Regret or Rejoice?