Celebrating A Birthday

One more revolution, evolution around the sun . . .

Impermanence is life’s only promise to us,

And she keeps it with

Ruthless impeccability

~Jennifer Wellwood

today is my birthday

seventy-three

telling the story of me

and listening

to the deeper story

which knows

me more

than I do

a narrative from the edges

of a long a grateful life

growing more visible

each passing year

wants and hopes

dreams have changed

and not

I am an old woman

a young girl

still waiting

for the kiss

of spirit

nothing lasts

neither shall I

here I serve

the sacred act

of making things

weaving threads of dreams

into small stone altars

in the garden

of unmet

desires

spinning threads

of tapestries

yet to take form

until the last breath

takes my form

each day to love life

a precious act

found in wonder

small gifts of butterflies

lighting on lantana

in the afternoon sun

grandmother oaks

holding the history

of all our stories

retold in the rustling

of wind

and purposeful stillness

at seventy-three

a birthday wish

to take nothing for granted

to learn

and lead with humility

with generosity of spirit

the younger me more settled

within the narrative

of survival and courage

Leans upon my shoulder

wrapping arms around her

“look we made it this far

And there’s gratitude

In our heart

we did well”

to this next year

seventy-three to seventy-four

may I daily know

the grace of thanks

giving back to a world

that has given me

beauty and inspiration

in the darkest of times

and in the moments

where I stood in the sun

and then

I blew out the candles

Thank you dear and precious reader for indulging in a sentimental birthday poem; in a moment where I’ve stopped to consider the shadow behind me and what lies ahead. Thank you for being a part of my world, for reminding me how all of us suffer and strive, celebrate and hope, reach out to feel the touch of each other’s hearts. Thank you for these gifts. I am grateful for you.