Forty-five came in on a sunbeam
and a summer breeze,
seeping in like the heat of the
ninety degree day.
I awoke to see it standing there,
watching me sleep.
I had been expecting it, but I
was still surprised
by its quiet arrival. Startled
to see it had come so soon.
I wasn’t sure I wanted its gifts of
sore knees and crows feet,
but I took them, not wanting
to seem rude, especially
when it also brought with it
experience, wisdom, and love.
It would have been nice if it
had also brought a bottle of wine,
but, as with most birthdays,
I end up taking what I can get.
June 12, 2017