Lifers

50 years ago I would have said life was swollen with promise as I awaited your return from a land of bicycles, Pagodas, potato vendors and "Hiah, Hiah, Mushee, Mushee, Hononea, Hononea."* 40 years ago the struggle almost killed us both, swimming against the current of babies, bottles, bills and dreams swept away. 30 years ago, life happened in such a mad whirl we hardly noticed its passing. 20 years ago, at life's half-century mark, still slender (unlike now when flesh hangs where it shouldn't), we walked backward through empty rooms. 10 years ago, walls strained as our numbers grew one by one and we reeled in astonishment and joy. Today, life swells with promise, our attention riveted on dreams rekindled. *Japanese Greeting