Nigh Another Birthday

** Nigh Another Birthday ** I’ve passed so many birthdays, That a few dozen of those special days Fall away in a gray haze, With too many forgotten by everyone (then or lately), And were spent like most of my other days, Which I don’t really mind — without presents, singing, Cards, and other kinds of celebratory cliches. It’s really a destined plan God made before my birth, that He has completely in hand. Beyond these many decades of years after many passed, I now greet each birthday with profound gratitude, Because when illness first hit me at age eight, This length of my time living NO one had forecast. Still, now I never want to be Too old to ask for a kiss, or for a story Filled with twists and adventure, told to me At bedtime, as I fall off to dream, While hearing your voice, my darling, Which I love so dearly. I never want to age so much To be too old for a starlight’s wish; Or to outgrow the truths of Christmas. Always may I stay in awe of God’s mysteries And omnipotent, miraculous ways; and to see The marvel in every sunrise, every sunset I breathe. Lord God, may I never be too old for poetry! To find all its words and lines within me leap Over many pages, along with the verses of others I read; Or to hear the sung lyrics of great arias, And know the well-recited stage soliloquies. The notes of support and love I receive, Like treasure, I will also keep. I never want to age beyond the end Of Hope; or my meaning’s journeying; or delighting In Nature as a friend; Or enjoying, like a child, long hours of play and pretend. May I never age too old to allow My heart its freedom…To feel. To grow. To enfold All, dear Lord, your graced splendors In this on-going here and now. ———————————————————————————————————————————————- *** The coming of Christmas makes me think of my birthday, which comes ten days after Christmas on January 4th. Thus, this poem had its provoked thought into being. (c) sally young eslinger 12/18/2022 Glory to God — and Merry Christmas. God bless us, every one!