What's Left of Me

In my lifetime, along the way,

I have given up a lot.

I gave up the idea of being a

well-known artist and poet.

I gave up on publishers and

being published nationally.

I gave up believing in the God

in whom I was raised to believe.

I gave up the love of a woman

when I needed love to enliven me.

I surrendered and gave up my

sobriety, and years later still alive,

I gave up drinking which enabled

me to go on living.

Once, I gave up smoking

for 2-years, but became depressed.

I needed a crutch and began again.

I gave up on having faith

in humanity.

I gave up just enough of me to

others who had the need for a patsy.

Relinquished just enough sanity

to keep me functioning acceptably.

Unwittingly, I gave up my youth

and all those foolish dreams.

I have been able to accept old age,

my disabilities and all which

was given to me deservedly.

But so far as it goes, I am able to

manage marginally with that

which is left of me.

                     -30-

Chris Hanch 6-10-2020