One who accepts the dear joys of time  
Dun colored, but sweet, in exchange  
In change for the passion and the wings.  
And sings silent in his office --  
And lets the light of that fire  
Come to his eyes to inspire  
And catch others up a little higher  
The quiet face and voice tell,  
But then the sudden eyes compel.  

He might have broken with his world and gone  
To distant cities. Found young lovers and old worlds --  
His dreams might have ignited  
And burned his name on time.  

He chose to stay and build.  
And bear the name of quiet  
Calm, dull -- while those who know  
See his fervor in control  
And the yearn of fifty years grown full  

He knows his silent regrets  
His dream ignored or left --  
So seldom stored where it was aimed.  
But gives the world a gift and keeps them to himself.  
And takes for sweet reward  
Regard from some who see  
For eyes can speak and minds can join  
And souls respond.  

Some have seen and learned,  
And won't forget. And when achievement comes,  
In the rising novice flame  
There the master finds inscribed, his name.