Why I Write Poetry

"So I write poetry," so you say

In a voice both skeptical and distrustng

"Is it not foolishness at your age

to believe you could turn

those feelings of rage

at life's last and final stage

into something meaningful?"

I look back with new insight

clearly feel the joy, sadness and regret

of years rushing by to never return.

Once too busy for "just living"

no time for self-reflection

Now I have the time

I must use it well.

"Go at it" with the wisdom of old age

taking comfort

in the forgiving beauty in the language

of poetry.

I am a sage who sees past, present and future

as a whole to be respected--

an interlocking force in a single life.