SUCH IS A LIFETIME

To exit the womb and greet the world with tears 
Eyes slightly opened to what seemed to be real.

Drawing strength of the breast, in a cradle, I slept
Creeping and crawling, I passed the first test.

Innocence is gone in the twinkle of an eye
Choices and decisions that make a grown man cry.

Life becomes vague as my health fails
I slumber and sleep
In the arms of the grave.

Such is a lifetime.

Wilford Barker.