irritated

 irritated because of pain they cannot shed

and may not speak of

especially to young people,

elders have often earned the right,

if not to be honored, then at least

to be tolerated with compassion

some, even, with a hint of respect

but we would need to slow down

to listen and learn to know

gift from Miller and Thompson

 haiku

a gentle anthem

re-dedicates despite pain

or war, “I Choose Love”

hostile takeover

   and leaves one naked before it