Writing and Photography by Jeff E. Brown

Expectations torpedoing you
With every man.
With all that crumbles and ends
Before the good part can begin.
Your salad days may never come,
But at least you’re true
To yourself and live each day
With hope that joy will flow your way.
Me, I’m just jaded.
Pummeled by blows I deliver myself,
Too tired to look ahead,
I’m weighed down by my creeping dread.
You do me a favor
Each time you smile.
Laughter and empathy:
The light that shines from you to me.

© 2021 Jeff E. Brown. All rights reserved.