What's Now Rather Than Then - Collaboration

A Collaboration with Duke Beaufort The youthful memories I have did grate Upon my innermost self and I'd cry For my depressed spirit which longed to die And halt life tainted with anger and hate Yet now in a manic marvelous state Akin to alcohol’s euphoric high My heart's core renewed, can soar to the sky How this came to be, I’ll try to relate I trapped thorny issues behind a gate Forgiveness has become a great ally Love found every day gives reason to fly Like a balloon, unencumbered with weight While able to breathe and greet each sunrise Living and giving seem like the best prize **** Youth represents life with songs to be sung Laughing out loud when memories are made But you wept as your spirit became frayed Though now you're wiser than when you were young Having crossed the threshold of angst that clung See how clover's nectar can be arrayed Let your heart rejoice and not be afraid As delight comes from strands of pearls restrung The door's ajar—from the cage you've been sprung Take wing knowing happiness will not fade A heart's compassion will never abrade Where you go now—no place is too far-flung Revel in moonlight and dawn's painted skies An attitude change has opened your eyes Duke, Thanks for making our partnering on these Sonnets such fun!