REJUVENATION
(a sonnet of sadness defeated by resolve)
Ignite, crackle of kindle, so welcome an intrusion!
Light ‘pon reflection of that snowy ‘scape of youthful folly –
Of days when tedium and torment played deceptively jolly.
Voracious Age yields us that blessed skill of soothing exclusion:
Exit, Hurtful Retrospect! Is Youth but illusion?
Melt, Flame, thinking more on that foolish finale:
Yesterday’s diffusion of family. O! Gloating Melancholy,
Flicker regret for distortion of our dreams. Bittersweet delusion!
Regardless: Time has not fetched us yet, and still
It proffers years to rewind that straggled thread
Eroded of Love’s delicately woven silk of Will;
Never ‘gain must our own Fires be tempered, by false pride misled.
Do we not live to love, to fight, to falter, to feel?
Singe this heart with delight: reforge our Family’s seal!