Getting Old - No More To Return
Old age happens when you're not looking.It happens with recurring events like; January snow long hot summer daysand you no longer celebrating birthdays.It doesn't come with the crackle of fireworksmore; the way a river reshapes a stone over time - persistently quietly and unnoticed.Finally the stones sharp edges become smooth,like it would fit more comfortably into the palm of your hand. Although the reflection in the mirror becomes a strangerthat too becomes more comfortable to you over timetelling you the truth - even though you don't want it,nor did you ask for it.Your face becomes softertelling your storythe story of who you are - who you were.Lines in the corners of your eyestell of times of sunof times your heart wasfull of joy - as well as full of hurt. Your knees have an uncomfortable language of their own.'Clicks' and 'cracks' cause groans and sighswhich speak of miles walked and burdens carried.Lifes pace slows,time seems burdensome - there's not enough ityet somehow; too much of it.The inevitable destination not being further awaysimply; you slowing down and the littlest of things demaning more attention than they used to. There are things to let go of.Things that previously seemed important now; seems less so.The need to be the loudest,to have the newest,the fastest,the largest - are now not so important.The heavy armor we used to wear to keep the world out,now sits uncomfortably about our shoulders. And why is the air cooler?Is the skin more delicate,or is the once flowing hair now thinner and more grey?And that silence inbetween wordsis no longer an uncomfortable empty space,more a joy,a refuge,like a comfortable chair where you can finally sit down and rest. The light too is different at certain hours.Where once uncomfortably bright - it now glows,turning the everyday ordinary;into gold.You notice the stars have come outwith a calling to look up and gazeand wonderand enjoy the lightbefore it fades one more time - no more to return.