why are you alive?

Recently,i spent extended conversations with two elders-
one of 90 cycles ,the other almost 92. I was reminded of D H Lawrence's poem
about the two ways to grow aged-one to be a canker on the eye of apple of life,
the other to bask in the sunlight of joy-and to shine!
Age is a ladder to the sun-we get blinded easily
so it is good to meet guides who are further up the ladder
who have clues in their demeanor,smiles and generosity of spirit
One was a shadowy,selfish man-hard of hearing and of heart
whose BAH! HUMBUG! could be heard in every word he uttered
The other was an elegant conversationalist-pleased to be engaged
and willing to listen,absorb,and adapt -without any need to pontificate
Humility of that order is rare -and a pleasure to enjoy!
Much in our world is in process/little is finished artwork.
Community,democracy,,participation occupy our consciousness
and we need every salient singer to share more than National Anthems.
When i reach an aged wine year,i will rather be open to divergence
willing to listen more than i speak,able to comprehend and articulate
what every cycle round one sun has taught me.Until Zen-smiles and witnessing...
(paths of elders)