Inasmuch

I am not that
Which looks back
At me.

Those eyes, ears
That nose
Those lips 
That chin
Are not myself.

These are useful

But only as clay
To the pot
Whose purpose
Is to present the bloom.

These briefly remain

Until age or injury
Replaces them
With those of younger
Energetic
More appropriate hosts.

Until such time
I remember daily
That I am useful
Inasmuch
As I exalt the bloom.

Let the reader understand.