There was a time back long ago
I thought the world I’d change.
That time has passed and it didn’t last
and the world stays much the same.
The world changed me more than I changed it
as my destiny unraveled.
Now I’ve grown old — am far less bold
than in my earlier travels.
All around me I see my zealous peers
quite seriously involved.
They do whatever they can do —
as much as years allow.
But I’m now housed in a tortoise shell
and seldom venture forth.
Some folks may think I’ve gone to hell.
I disagree, of course.