Theologians speak of
our true selves evident
at birth with an inner light
to guide us through
the soul’s dark night.
What they don’t mention
are the genes with which
we are stamped at conception
and don’t know until we
experience the body’s deception.
I may have an inner light
but looking in the mirror
has become quite a fright.
I am my grandfather —
bunions, bald and arthritic.
Thank goodness for
that reassuring inner light
or I just might
become
a grumpy old cynic.