Twice

I've looked back and found I've cheated;

my memory lapsed and I allowed

a cluster of lines to be used twice. 

Now, that's not on; needs examination

as if it were a repeated dream. 

“A patina of time”: that sounds O.K.,

white hair, wrinkles and, as well,

I display scars from fighting life's battles.

“The enduring years”: now, that's wrong;

it is not the years that endure

but roll on one after another, 

the way years do. I'm the one

who's had to endure life's vicissitudes.

“The mind's bright mirror”: who wouldn't 

choose illumination? 

As an image for life, fair enough,

despite the implicit teleology. 

Not aimless, not arbitrary, 

but promising meaning at journey's end.

I can see why I used it twice.

Hope, not strong enough for faith, 

but, for all that, worthy of love.