Fate has brought me here today from long ago and far away ‘Cross the trials of circumstance in woven wings of choice and chance O’re meadows of love and joy roamed that innocent wide-eyed boy Through the hearts and minds of men, past bitterness and back again Time has taught me “why” and “how” to be the one I must be now Straight the path ahead I see though fraught with fire my trail may be Though my senses leave me blind, I am of but, one heart and mind Tender moments I once knew, now harden me to what I do To defend with cold hard steel; the right to love, the right to feel ‘Gainst the dreaded greed of men who would have me bow down to them And scorn the life I have lived, then take away... what all should give Here stand I... fate’s instrument... firm foil for the innocent Coursing where fate bids me go from far away and long ago N.N. 1/3/90