Meeting

There he is again.
This ... person, somewhat over 50, short hair, brown eyes, beard.

He's looking me in the eye.
"Is that all you dare doing? Taking part in petitions? Wouldn't this be the time to join them protesters?"

"I have been, more often than I ever would have dreamt", I defend myself, rather weakly.

"You have grown soft. Formerly you have been much more unyielding."

"Maybe", I admit, "but the kids have grown and I am a bit tired of fighting."

I brush my teeth - and his - before turning away from the bathroom mirror and leaving for work.