The Rising

The Rising I saw a man from yesterday, I recognized his smile. Where he's been I'm not too sure he's been gone quite awhile. His hair is turning silver and there's lines etched in his face. Memories of dreams he dreamed but somethings out of place. The fires of a younger man have become now just an ember. He's not the same as yesterday, at least not how I remember. The barroom brawls and late night calls a thing now of his past. He smiles kindly and he says “some things aren't meant to last.” He takes the time to quote a rhyme and stops to help a child. Scars etched in his heart and soul from nights when he ran wild. Recalling days remembered ways when things weren't what they seemed. How foolish were some days gone by and childish dreams he dreamed. Things now it seems they come his way that used to cause him sorrow. He just smiles and shakes his head and says “We'll try again tomorrow.” I asked of him “Where have you been?” I say “You're looking well.” He said “Thank you friend, I'm back again I've just returned from hell.” Edwin C Hofert