The walk is pleasant, sky clear and pale blue

light clouds and not too hot,

skirting gooseberry and hawthorn

wildflowers here and there.

winding up among boulders

to the cliff atop the mesa.

It could have happened years ago, when youth was on my side

But it didn’t fit my goals. So, I never tried

My birthday has arrived, again

Often ignored and barely acknowledged

Not really a different day

I don’t feel my age, anyway

Putting words on paper

does not make one a writer

simple communication perhaps

but not though provoking

and not fulfilling of some need

Tears surround us

Some observed, some experienced

Tears of joy

Tears of sadness

Tears born of anger

Tears sharing frustration