time's arrow

You see with increasing clarity the life you lived
As you walk backwards step by step
You understand as you grow younger
That change is a symptom of desire.

The wrinkles iron themselves out
And the value in your head seeps back
Into the muscles a pumping vessel
Reinvigorates a youthful flicker.

But time's arrow rewards as it takes
And the insights are struggling embers
Doused by youth and rekindled
Stuttering only with age.

And into love you stride
For what burns bright must be purveyed
And from love you recede
Relieved but at once more afraid.

Ashamed of regret almost
As if regret was against your nature
No point you tell yourself
As you confuse comfort and condolence.

So once more young and once more unafraid
Till time takes a measure of you away.