it’s better, I’m better
time collecting for me
is calmer and clearer
than pretending to be
more steady on wobbly
legs frequently shifting
their plant and their tallness
and in between drifting
miles off balance
and inward, too inward
yes, a bit older
allays more that hinders
to see all the silver
coins once in the glare
now more in focus
to savor and care
for, and grateful I am
for the favors and pits
the riches of living
the guilts I can quit
scores to my age
grow grace in my eyes
flatter my figure
and court compromise
it’s better, I’m better
and I see that I was
always an heiress
to what matters because
I’m loved and have been
since before I could breathe
and buckets of gladness
are granted to me.

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:4

You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound.  Psalm 4:7

Image: (a Birthday!) Blueberry Cheesecake, painting by Beverly Shipko