As I grow older

I am more empathetic

towards my own soul

for years I have let her bear

the brunt of my living

bearing her down and demanding

she put up with vile and disrespect

be taken for granted

trampled upon

and passed over

But now, as I grow older

she is all that matters

ensconced within me my soul

childlike, pure and sacred

do not fly away yet

Life is not done.