a step back

there is a hopelessness that comes

with the loss of youth---

the clichéd wish that one could have done

things differently,

the so-called

“quarter-life crisis”

& following crisis of the midlife,

being just as ridiculous---

yes, there is a want for something else,

a want to be

anywhere else but where one lies.

taking a step back,

in conversation with a brilliant young person---

one who has little to relate to the elder you,

except that you both still want to learn;

this, is a beautiful thing---

this, can be a door opening for the both,

one that holds no comparison.

to know that neither has anything to gain

but the wisdom of conversation,

that wondrous trading, if you will,

of the experiences of a new young,

with an old that has come to terms with being

old---

looking on from the place of

having been there,

watching young people fight,

watching young people witness---

this is something special,

something that humbles you if you are further in years,

because it teaches you that you will never know everything---

it teaches that you are now the tortoise in this race,

and is shows that life has really just begun

when learning has been lit as the flame of a new candle,

born from the spark of those in youth,

and that will flush away the clichés that are said to

kill the hearts of some who have given up.