Being Human

In the elderly, two sets of values operate simultaneously: the desire to stay active and to maintain a sense of self-worth in the eyes of others, and the desire to withdraw from social commitments to a more leisurely, contemplative life.

Ram Dass, The Life Within

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This being human is lights on
ever not wanting to dim
for the ways are dark
The winding paths are steep;
potholed, crumbled and rugged.
You’d better be on you wake
Listening, smiling gently,
judging wisely, vehemently
Watching, waiting for the sly foxes
Dripping with sweetened tongues
Masquerading allys yet vengeful foes.

This being human is lights on
Never missing in action
Juggling many attentions:
with you-mixed-in all wrong;
Leashed the baby, fed the puppy,
Binned the nappies, take a selfie,
Make a dash, eat on rush,
Catch the bus, miss a ride.
Exertions beckoning every time
Finish this, start on that,
and work on those,
Talk, walk and work!
Round the clock:
Your aim to beat the tick
The sloths grow weary…
This being human feels tiresome

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Men who use their hands…. desired trait. thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com

Dverse-poetics