Yup that’s me
I’m not surprised your recognition
Was other than instantaneous

Changed no doubt from what I once was
The bright-eyed boy
The teacher’s pet

One wonders whether the transformation
Gradual to be sure
Owes to the thousand natural shocks

Or to artificial mods and projects
Self-imposed
Or hoisted by some brawny saddler

Or perhaps less to events
Than to responses to events
Tabulating consecutive reasons

Or failing to respond
Continuing to drive
After the bug has spattered

And bitter error
Occasion for remorse
And cold fear for what’s to come

This ragged beard
This hooded eye
Rough unruly repellent

Do you love me precious other
Or has love too eroded
Caught in the glacial progress

In dreams I stand at the fork
The garden of delight
Or the prison house of consciousness