The irony
Kindness, tolerance, love for others
Struggle with own acceptance

So easy to find interest, humor, beauty elsewhere
While beating up oneself
Never enough, must do better

The fears
Seeing strength through the years
Yet frightened by fading youth, obvious change

Knowing the clock is ticking, fatigued by it all
Still there is a push, even a pull
To live fully, to feel true quality

The inner beauty
Years building strength, learning to love
To fully appreciate the growth

One day, smiles abound
Awareness of sweet soul and desire
Another, frustration and maddening weariness

The fight
For purpose, importance, health
Secure of a memorable existence, a legacy

Whom is it for? Me? Others? The Lord?
Imaginary need, undeserving insecurity
Or just human nature to seek?

The days
Do not cease, no stopping the clock
Cannot go back, impossible to redo

Time for respite, justified awareness
Emotional hole full, knowing real worth
Just too long, this struggle

No more never enough