This is such an excellent poem, Deana - I'm surprised you've had so many views and no comments or votes!

This stanza is my favorite, and the strongest. You might consider making it the last one:

Hollow eyes on a smiling face
Covers pain that left its trace
Human spirit always reaching
Ignoring life's incessant teaching

How very beautiful Deana:)

I loved every word of it and it leaves me feeling so very peaceful..somehow your words always do. Your friendly spirit shines through in all your verses:)
Have a merry Christmas, my dear friend:)

Hugs,

5/5 Ingrid

Sometimes good poems get ignored in this site. So this is another case. A fantastic poem. So very well written! It gives something to think about!