<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"></head><body style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><div dir="auto"><div>The Path Is Clearing</div><div><br></div><div>Old songs pull me like a horse </div><div><br></div><div>Pulling a wagon, but backwards towards vivid memories</div><div><br></div><div>Of my younger days </div><div><br></div><div>Stout lads, we planted, we ran, we climbed, we danced freely</div><div><br></div><div>Into the present moment of now </div><div><br></div><div>Here we stand and face the inevitable outcome of our planting,</div><div><br></div><div>Slowly arise each morning grateful for another</div><div><br></div><div>The bathroom mirror reflects deep lines of our faces, </div><div><br></div><div>Graying of hair, sagging of flesh</div><div><br></div><div>As we await the as yet unknown path of our final days</div><div><br></div><div>While our hands, those faithful tools at the ends of our outstretched arms,</div><div><br></div><div>Reach over to grasp those of a nearby friend</div><div><br></div><div>Knowing that we have never been alone. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> - Mike Lerner</div><div dir="ltr"><!-- signature open --><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><!-- signature close --></div></div></body></html>