He looked a bit above his age —
For went through burning fire.
He was inordinately sage,
Been dancing on a wire.

He’s seen it all; the ride was rough,
Took dives and hit the bottom.
There was so much he had enough —
No life in silk and cotton.

As tension grew and pressure built,
He played it smooth and clear,
And was the one to pay the bill —
As was, indeed, it dear.

And even then, when all the brave
Stooped low and tried to veer,
He took the roads that weren’t paved —
Evasions, lies, and smear.

He learned it fast and learned it soon:
No single thing’s unnoticed.
One hundred twenty harvest moons
And ninety equinoxes.

Were switching to a smolder mode,
Continued stubs to glare.
He picked the keys and cracked the code —
As less he couldn’t care.