charis

Some things grow bitter with time—
            steeping coffee, 
       sautéed garlic,
                    angry hearts.

Other things, they grow better with time—
          fine wine,
                 cheese, 
              beloved flannel,
                            thankful souls.

They talk about "aging gracefully,"
         keeping your looks,
                             your strength,
                                       your spirit.
                     I think that's the key, actually.

            Grace.

                 Not physical beautiful movement,
                                             or social-knowledge wit,
                                       but a spirit and an attitude.
I need grace.
         How I know it.
I need to bestow grace.
         How slowly I learn it.

But grace—
         yes, that right there,
                  that is the difference between 
                                   aging like coffee,
                                        or
                                          aging like wine.