Once a year, I publish this poem. It has become an anthem to my aging, and I first published it ten years ago. I was struck then, as I am now, by the aging process. It is amazing how the body changes over the years; but, the mind doesn't change. We are all 25 years old in our heads; which is why you cannot trust what you see. Never judge another by appearances. You have no idea what is happening behind the eyes.
image of his youth.
The image was filled with promise, and
overflowing with optimism.
In two dimensions,
the photograph reminded him
of another self,
free to hope,
free to wonder,
free to grasp, and
looking for the future.
He remembered the photographer,
prodding,
annoying,
motioning, and
jostling with the hangers on
and the wannabes.
He was sharing his soul,
whether he wanted to or not.
He took a picture in his mind,
moved to another decade,
and wondered whether the wisdom of age
would be enough
to bring the photograph back to life.
Did it look back at him
and laugh? 
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