Youth

with its tender feet
steps lightly through
the brush of life
leaving sweet-smelling imprints
on the surface
of the souls
it touches

sweet-smelling
and soft enough
for you to miss its passing
completely

then
its memory fades
as quickly
as the time it takes
to change you
from what you are
to what you will be

fear not, though
it has not gone
as long as you allow it
to live around you
free of bitterness
or resentment

remember
that it is tender