Merged

I have often pondered
And made it my quest
To understand the paths
Of life, their unending tests.

I have also wondered
About decisions made,
If I'd chosen wisely
Or if choices I'd trade.

It comes to me in slow degrees
That to barter now is a waste
For time has taken me far and wide
Sometimes slowly, sometimes in haste.

I am content in my imperfections,
My skin and I are friends.
We are comfortable in our sharing
Of where we are and where we've been.

To change now, trade my regrets,
For a better way, brighter day,
Would negate all I have become
And those journeys along the way.

I have stumbled and I have fallen,
Often finding it hard to rise...
Yet I begged no quarter, pled no defense,
Asking for no compromise.

I traveled onward to this place
Where age and time have converged...
And understand that all I am
Is a product of every journey merged.