The Way

In previous years, had I gravitated

toward the rich and famous, had I

felt comfortable, I my have eventually

turned out the same.

As life, fate and my curious attention

was irresistibly drawn to the impover-

ished, the downtrodden, the loathsome

and decrepit elderly, I myself have aged

to become one of them.

It’s okay, I tell myself in the passing days.

This is the way it was meant to be for me.

Life and its many challenges are more

readily seen in the faces of those who have

struggled mightily just getting to this place.

I look into the mirror. I feel it in my bones.

And with a snide and defiant chuckle, I

can say, poor bastard, you have rightfully

earned your way.

                           -30-

Chris Hanch 6-12-2020