I was a youth who seldom thought about the fact that in the midst of life I was with each breath, getting closer to its end. I viewed life as a beautiful clear stream that never would run dry, eternal spring, and lively music written for the young. ************************** That same stream flows, but not so deep as then. I’m thirsty still, but sometimes just a sip is all it takes to make me smile. My spring is gone, my summer too; but autumn holds unique appeal. I’m grateful for each day. Though sometimes melancholy tries to quell my joy, the music in my soul still plays.