The years have passed, done Dreams drifted, fast, spun All this writing, speculating, asks standing waiting, articulating tasks And from a quarter century now I find myself over half-way no plenipotentiary to one hundred, sober Love has come, life has drawn Plunged and swum, habits worn Did I shine, make myself proud? Kept my silence, been light and loud? Did I do everything I wanted? Really pushed, or too often daunted? I remember, bobbing on a boat Manic, seasick, with a sore throat Have seen much, glad and glum Ticked some boxes, done zero sum Up I was, down and out Whispering, green, with a shout Many I gave a coloured flower Dirty thoughts, often a shower Blinking, steps have marked my way A fascination with growing grey I pulled, I wept around the post Enjoyed the game, played the host Raised the flag, Questioned some more Worn the rag Sand from the shore The years, the tears, the miles and smiles Delicate backward pilgrimage drop the briefs, find the bridge
