I chose a path, quite long ago,
that led to self deceit.
In every man I met a foe
and solitude was sweet.

Alone I wandered through my youth
and nurtured hopes of love.
As I grew old I learned the truth:
I am a fragile dove.

My soul's not made for this bare earth
that kindly lent it time.
The symphony of its unworth
is an angelic chime.