The Faltering

In time the sharpest mind begrimes with rust
and memories are flaked from softened steel.
Beliefs once clutched and voiced in utter trust
now falter and befog in weakened zeal.
The brilliance once displayed now cracks like crust
and any efforts to reheal unseal.
The process always seems unfair, unjust
and moves ahead no matter how we feel.

Yet in the messy yard sale of our mind
and failing parts and leakage of the frame,
that which is lost reveals a simpler core,
a trusting grasp of those still near and kind
a sense of wonder at a losing game,
a thanks for almost all that came before.