Mr. Inner Man

 
you were a stranger
a lurking piece of my whole
back in the shadows
(and I had many shadows)
I had no time for you
like Frank (Old Blue Eyes) Sinatra
I didn't need anybody
wanted to do things my way
aren't we plumb stupid
in our younger years
doing things that caused
society to hang their heads in utter shame
doing it my way
or no way
yeah . . .
I'm so proud, Mr. Inner Man
you hung around
unnoticed in the shadows
waiting for a chance to walk in the sunlight
the sunlight is here now
with you beside me, giving me comfort
giving me the wherewithal
to step lightly
smile brightly
face whatever comes my way
with resolve and a smile
instead of clenched fists
saying goodbye
so long, arrivederci, to the street ways
those streets
full of hurricane-strong clouds
as of this writing
(and writing is what I'm about)
I say with a smile
there have never been better days in my life
eh, but now is now
and what was “better” then
is scary now

©August 4, 2016 / Jerry Pat Bolton