One fourth a century,
a half of a half of pie.
Youth still in face if you are a mortal,
but old and feeble in many creature's year.
Fifty per cent of the way to fifty,
four more years than needed to be legal.
Birthday cakes getting crowded
with more than two dozen candles,
still better than twenty-six.
Body stops growing,
aches sprout where none existed before,
yet possessed of all the vigor
remember when teenage years were worn.
Too young to think of retirement
though more mature than having pubescent obsessions.
It is a perfect way station on time's railroad,
a blend of wisdom and enthusiasm.
So take an opportunity to have thirds on celebration dessert,
savor this golden moment as the fantastic quarter of life
minted in between in gray and adolescence,
before words like cholesterol and high blood pressure
become a reality belt around a middle age girth.
Have a big bash and keep it going in your heart
then no matter the birthday
it will always be a time of joy.
Bronze trophy winner
Adding your comment:
