Age. Poem by Miki Byrne

Age erodes and abrades the outer shell,
Brings frailty, fatigue,
And sometimes an absent-minded fumbling
But like a jewel kept in a battered box

The mind and soul still shine
Expand and grow,
Despite the occasional eccentric mumbling.
Experience and wisdom have such value

And the outside trappings
And wrinkled wrappings mean nothing.
Age may deplete, wear down and tire
But inside still burns the integral fire.