On Turning Fifty

He listens to The Beatles in the midst of a generation which doesn't know Lennon or the Bee Gees. His youthful neighbors always tell him to keep up to date with current music, but he can only grow older, not younger. Sometimes he stands outside the balcony, gazing at a city that has become more populated, and more detached - a glass of scotch is a perfect company when he feels alone. A birthday cake written "HAPPY 50 YEARS," and a packet of liquor chocolates wait for him on a round glass table; he tries to remember when was the last time he could tell his soul that he was really happy.....