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Octogenerian

His 85th birthday a piece of cake bb did take bb = birthday boy Some special gifts his fingers shook he unwrapped two longed-for books Another year gone by a rough stretch but good times sure what matter, rich or poor Closer to God he edges counting down not up... now two questions: when and how ____________________________ A fictional piece, although I picked 85 because my mother lived to age 86.

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/2/2021 2:57:00 AM

"when and how" - They are questions, but not big ones, right?

Quoth Theraven

Date: 5/30/2021 12:29:00 PM

Greetings Gershon, Wonderful tribute found in a number, less one. Somewhere I hear it 'Nearer, My God, to Thee'. Each year closer to the top; an angel's ladder, each wrung told of in Jacob's dream. -Richard

Gershon Wolf
Date: 5/30/2021 2:59:00 PM

Would it were a straight-line upward ascent. We ordinary, less-than-saintly men have trouble letting go of this wonderful earth, foolish as that may be. Thanks for your encouraging words, Richard, and a Meaningful Memorial Day to you. Best always, Gershon

L Milton Hankins

Date: 5/30/2021 9:17:00 AM

A memorable piece of writing, G.W. As I bear down on this age...five years hence, I should hope they will be "good times sure" and that I will still receive those "longed-for" books. Fine writing, friend.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/30/2021 8:50:00 PM

Oh, not fifteen for sure. I'll be 80 in December. I'll settle for five after that...if I'm lucky!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 5/30/2021 3:00:00 PM

Oh, and I hope the next five years (and the fifteen after that! minimum!) will be 'good times sure' as well, my dear poetry friend. Best always, Gershon

Tom Cunningham

Date: 5/30/2021 4:01:00 AM

A great age for sure Gershon, hope I reach that milestone and beyond and that god doesn't summon me too early. Tom

Gershon Wolf
Date: 5/30/2021 3:05:00 PM

Amen, Tom. Let God take His sweet time with you (and me too perhaps). Cheers, Gershon

Alexis Y.

Date: 5/29/2021 10:21:00 PM

Hi Gershon, Fictional or not, I enjoyed it all the same. It is a true story to someone. Living to be 85 years of age is a blessing. Your mother was blessed. Have a wonderful evening, my friend:-) Alexis

Gershon Wolf
Date: 5/30/2021 3:05:00 PM

Thank you, Alexis. And may you too have long life, in good health. Cheers, Gershon