Maybe a birthday is a perfect time
of
reflection
the numbers racking up with little meaning
in truth, most often unaware of their
magnitude
except of course for tell-tale puffiness
under the eyes
and the constant softening of a
jaw line
a few stiff bits
there is gratitude of course
(this my dedication to life)
that one is here, that one is loved
knows love
feels ever increasingly how very much I am
LOVE
and causes for celebration
I know my worth
and really always have
despite probably somewhere along the way
inadvertently giving bits away
unearned
the fouls of youth
I know I am worthy of respect
something I hold in the highest regard
and do no longer accept watered down versions
of
I know how increasingly I cringe at those who will loudly
tout
their organized religion
who will hammer their words
of righteousness
yet fail miserably to live lives
by their meanings
still,
how much I admire those
who live honestly
and
honourably
through their convictions
inside
and out
I know when I am feeling particularly sarcastic and cynical
indulging myself a little
in the
growl
try to recognize ego in this
keep the sassy bits, intact
best I can
ride the successes as well as the
falls
I know well too, how very much
I do NOT know
so keep myself always open
to learning and
expanding
I know how the world is damaged
by cruelty
yet softened and mended
by
kindness
and just how much of this I carry
daily
I know how to be good
and kind
and when I have indeed faltered
on
both
I know softness, and gentleness
and
wild
I know simple, sincere
sacred
and sweet
I know where I am
what I am
and
why
most often, I don’t know my age
believe that every obituary should include the word
only
as in only 89, or 35, or 102
only…
I know my heart
it’s where I live
it’s where I love
it’s where
I
am
found
I make it a habit to count the ways I love you
and never
to keep score
and today,
I make it a point
to celebrate
Me
(just as I am)
here and now
indulgently I will surround myself
with love, with a ‘few’ books
and with
cake
cause really,
who
could possibly… ask for more ♥