Look, they say, the Old Man
He lives by Wisdom's Rule.
But I'm a child in the cradle of life
Still and forever to be God's fool.
He's a learned man, they say.
Traveled and well read.
But I'm a teller of the tallest tales
Who sailed the seven seas from the dreamboat of his bed.
See the crows feet at his eyes,
The lines of smiles deep in his face.
But all the lines are claw marks of the vulture,
The smiles too few to leave a trace.
To be like him when I am old
They sigh with hopeful tongue.
But who am I to disillusion
Aging visions of the ignorant, faithful young?
To live again, they've heard me boast,
I'd do it all the same.
But if they only knew I never
Even like the sound of my own name.
Tombstones last forever,
So, please, after I die
Don't let the words, "He's satisfied"
Become an eternal lie.
I would the truth be known.
So let it read, "Here lies
What in life appeared a butterfly
Was just a caterpillar in disguise.