older,
throwing shadows
longer upon the ground;
winter's weight colder upon him,
clouded.

phoenix,
begin again,
from the ashes rebirthed;
rising up to the occasion,
aflame.

writing,
fingers flexing,
dexterity returns;
mentally and physically
intact.

wordsmith,
oral gymnast,
lyrical acrobat;
swinging trapeze without a net.
poet,

casting
verbal fireflies
into darkened skies,
lighting pathways for those who fall
behind.