30 - Birthdays

Birthdays

I’ve always loved birthdays. It started when I was very young, and because it was in April the lilac bushes bloomed and the peony blossoms opened in all their glory, I thought spring was the most beautiful time of the year. I still do and still love my birthday. Once year I decided to write a poem to express my joy of life and my growing old.

The Birthday

They talk about ‘as time goes by’
It’s true, the years just seem to fly
as you are growing old.
It’s not as bad as it may seem,
you’ve answered many of your dreams
And now have other stories to be told.

Your loved ones still can fill a room
and leave no space for feeling gloom
they really are the treasures of your life.
The books you’ve read, the plays you’ve seen
the beauty of an ocean scene
have washed away the times of pain and strife.

Remembering now is what takes place
when you have time and you have space
to recall all the things that you have done.
And in your quiet reverie
it all returns to family.
How precious to your heart is every one.

So facing yet another year
and being with those you hold dear
Is not a time for sorrow or regret.
Instead the future still is there
you want to grow and want to share
Your life’s adventure is not over yet.

Written in 1996