"An old soul... ...is nothing but a very slow learner".
~~ Dr. Peebles in To Dance With Angels

I've felt that:
slow . . .
hesitant as honey
wants to hold back
as much as move

A small girl
hands clasped
in anticipation of
a puddle
ecstasy!
But didn't.
The shadow in the picture
is the mother
with a camera

I once thought
I might be a brand-new soul
I knew so little
and learned so slowly
stubbed toes and skinned knees

Have since been informed
otherwise
by those who would know

As hard to be an
old
soul
as a gnu