Time

2016

An old back of the hand showing veins
In youth we come through our bodies as explorers
seeking and measuring,
astounded and disappointed
as we grow into ourselves.

In our long midlife, we travel our path,
forgetting and wandering,
sometimes grateful, mostly blindly seeking
the more we yearn for.

Now, our bodies re-astound us:
aching and refusing,
complaining and attacking,
reminding us of time.

Old Human Be-ing

Pervasive sadness wakes my nights
& smothers my days.
Nothing wrong except
the news of the world,
and circumstances. 

Against the fecund spring
with its greens and blossoms,
the gravestones announce
the coming winter freeze.

The shortening days
and path.
are hidden in the dark.

Little time left
to claim joy.

and just 
be.