Should this Rebel now Retire?

Am I allowed to be at peace as the world is on fire?

I was outspoken Always To tell it like it is — or was — seemed like a worthy profession judging by the hits. Strong words & occasional blows plus steady streams of enemies wielding the stick of envious attack when young & handsome — then later for my sage quota & ruddy words.

Now in this age of lies & fear of speaking out I feel ready to retire — been hard at my vocation since early childhood when innocence was still open-mouthed.

I spent the past three years combating censors but wonder if it’s time to pass the baton to others younger more future-oriented than I’ve become. Besides, the pay is shocking.

When I look in the mirror I see an old man imploring for final peace — not to make life so hard with the flare-gun I wielded out of the gates of birth & every re-birth since.

Copyright Simon Heathcote