Not Venial Sins

My Creative Process class includes an assignment to create something during each of the next 35 days.  Many years have past since I wrote poems on a regular basis--I was in my 20's when I did so (I'm now 70).  My project will be to write a short poem each day and post it on this blog. I hope you will find them interesting. 

Not Venial Sins

I've heard it said that old age is when you look back on life
And regret the temptations that you did NOT yield to.
Oh yes, I have my share of those,
Yet my major sins are of a different order
Not venial sins so much as embracing - instead of life -
A clammy death of nameless fears--
Of treacherous undertows
Threatening to expose the simple truths
Of passion's vernal reticence and innocence
Now framed and shackled in ugly shame.

 

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