I am here, long last, lucky to be
of innocence found, classless, and free
with your eyes closed, look deeper to see
absent of judgement, you may agree
the calmness of mind, that which I preach
painful years it took me to reach
the art of statement, without speech
tone of acceptance, without impeach
to express oneself, without recall
foibles and weakness exist in us all
able to fail, yet still stand tall
beating our heads against the wall
freedom of thought, voice, and care
without concern for censure nor glare
the courage it takes, should one dare?
or does it take courage? is it that rare?
is it up to another? are all our hopes pinned?
were to please myself or kith or kin?
values are smoke, they change with the wind
but my peace is set, beyond rescind
so yes, I am lucky, my love taught me hope
as in "Rape of the Lock" by poet Pope
of which I impart the final lines
"to err is human, to forgive devine"
so is my love a teacher of mine