For my birthday, I share some thoughts about getting older, being less cool, and thankfully staying warm.  (Perhaps you can tell this was written on a cold Chicago evening.)

 

AFTER 50

Keep hold

when your children squirm

feeling, as teens do, too old,

make your hug more firm–

keep hold.

Be bold!

Venture into the bluster of night

overdressed for the cold

and you’ll be just right.

Above all, don’t rush.

Let the ones in thin coats push.

You are warm and looking back

at the way limbs bend black on black,

sky ignited by distant coals

hinting at paths beyond set goals.

Show love

with a smile behind your fuzzy scarf

for the caramel dog with questioning bark.

Show love, old self

as we embark.