An Edge ill-defined

I had set many goals in the days of my youth
If I remember back through time's veil
Some I accomplished
In other's I failed

A husband, A father, I would become
For good or for naught
Was the life I had dreamed of
It seemed I had bought

For pennies it seems
I had purchased a dream
Though life had it's trials
I remained true to my goals
To raise up a family
Loving and whole

Now time has it's way
And not always a pleasure
Of honing a man
To seek his true measure

Yes time has it's way
A grating of stone
Honing and cutting
Til the man stands alone

Years have gone by
Decades of time
Grinding this man to
An edge ill defined

When I was young
My purpose was clear
My heart was so strong
My goals were so near

My strength was so full
My love knew no bounds
For those that I cared for
With a shield I surround

Yes time has it's way
I dare not compete
For time will consume me
And the end
Is nearer it seems

In all things I struggle
In this time, In this place
I tire so easily
In this never ending race

"There Is no Strength
Without Struggle"
So I've been told
But I struggle to see it
For I just feel old

True though it is
My daughter's motto
Strength, it escapes me
For the young and the bold

Give up, I have not
But my pace has been slowed
By the constant barrage
Of time on my soul

John Pope- April 14, 2011