This poem is from decades ago. I had some amazing things going on in my life. I was about to graduate from West Point and achieve big steps in what I thought would lead to an uncomplicated life, like marriage. However, I was depressed and unhappy and quickly learning that the uncomplicated was anything but.

I’m all used up - there’s nothing left;
It hurts when you tell me – take another breath;
I am blind now – can’t you see;
Drowning in a sea of misery;
I used to see the light but now its gone;
Don’t think there will ever be another dawn;
Embrace the pain and understand;
You are just a man;
You do everything you can to make things as you planned;
But all things you do not control and no matter what you do perfection you can not demand;
This leaves you confused;
If there is no reward what is the point in trying;
All you get for your effort is feeling like dying;
The end is near;
Never fear;
Once you accept and embrace it – all will be clear.

- The Old Man (When a younger man)