I Ask
As I drag this rough frame, this ageing shell,
that's carried me across a lifetime to this place
at your feet, I look into your eyes and I ask you
Imagine a proud, wavy crown of auburn hair,
thick and strong, a crown you could
run your fingers through and twirl it, to and fro
Imagine these blue eyes that my father gave me,
still the deepest hue, but sparkling then with no glint
of the sadness that they have come to show
Imagine a face, smooth and fair,
no beard of white, no furrowed brow,
with a smile that would melt your heart
Imagine a laugh with no halt or apology,
in that happy way of youth, a laugh
that called out others to come play
Imagine these arms, then like hawser ropes,
sinews at the ready to hold you tight,
to carry you clear across the world
Imagine this body, like a carving
in those days past, lean and muscled,
wanting for your hands to find their purchase
Imagine now this man, still gentle and kind
but with that blinding glow of youth, waiting,
proudly at your feet to do your bidding
I ask you then, imagine when you
look on this ageing shell, this mortal husk;
that glow still waits inside for you
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