AN ODE TO OLD

On turning eighty

At the ripe old age of eighty, on this golden evening’s glow, 

My thoughts drift like autumn leaves, in memories, they

flow. 

The life I’ve lived, the roads I’ve roamed, the stories I now

tell,

 Echo through the silence, like an old, familiar bell.

I think of mornings kissed by dawn, the sun’s first tender

light,

 Laughter shared with friends long gone, and the stars that lit

the night. 

I think of love that bloomed in springtime’s arms and stayed

through winter’s chill, Heartaches and healing, empty places

filled.

I ponder on the paths not taken, the dreams that slipped

away, 

But find contentment in the choices I made, the life I’ve lived

today.

 For every bend and twist of fate, for every rise and fall, 

Has painted this mosaic, this portrait on the wall.

I recall the innocence of youth, the wisdom gained with age, 

The lessons learned, the bridges burned, each tear, each

smile, each page. 

The family grown around me now, the roots that deeply

bind, 

In their eyes, I see the future and the legacy I leave behind.

I marvel at the wonders seen, the changes time has wrought, 

From busses powered by electric wires overhead to

rocket’s gleam, to thoughts that once were sought. 

The world is vast and ever-new, yet in its constant spin, 

I’ve found a place, a peace within, a harmony, akin.

Reflecting on the simple joys, the moments pure and bright, 

The hand that held mine steady, the kiss that lit the night. 

The whispers of the gentle breeze, the songs of distant birds, 

The poetry in silent stars, unspoken, without words.

So here I sit at eighty years, with gratitude and grace, 

For every scar, smile, and tear, for every loved embrace. 

The journey continues, with much I’ve yet to see, 

For in each breath, new dreams are born, and that’s enough

for me.

In life’s great tapestry, I’ve stitched my thread with care, 

With colors bold and subtle hues, my story is woven there. 

And as I gaze upon this work, with a heart both full and free, 

I find contentment, peace, and love, in all that is, and yet

shall be.

I have many things to share, and listen to your storied wall, 

For the beauty of life’s journey is shared among us all.