After Midnight

After Midnight: Poems and Pontifications presents a collection of poetry written over a span of sixty years. Manfredo's early writings reflect the idealism, spirituality, and wonderment of youth, questioning the meaning of life and describing dreams and aspirations. The collection then traces the evolution of his style into a sophisticated and passionate maturity. During the last score of years, his poetry demonstrates an acceptance of the realities of life, sometimes expressing a sense of both resignation and whimsy.

As a life presented in poetry, After Midnight offers a journey of emotional growth, which finally and inevitably arrives at an awareness and graceful acceptance of mortality.

Gettin' Old

I look in the mirror
and say a prayer
Of thanks to the Gods
that my face is still there.

My locks are much thinner
My face is less fair.
Glad I've lived long enough
to lose my hair.

Dying young, while good-lookin',
Ain't a bargain to me.
Livin' long, causin' trouble,
That's where I want to be.

So I'll linger a while longer
Kinda' messin' with you.
When I finally depart
You'll be glad . . . I will too!