phase ii

the smiles disappear beneath
my graying beard that itches:
the will to scratch my malaise
remains elusive as it switches.
my faint reflection keeps watch
in the backyard window at dark:
ghostly floating capturing a picture
that is more tangible than its mark.
no hands can stroke the weariness
that has settled on my shoulder:
blackbird doesn't show in the glass,
but, pecks and turns me colder.
heady beginnings consummate with sallow
finally yielding birth to dust in earthly fallow.