I lean closer to hear what a friend is saying
I take the steps one foot at a time
I squint to read the fine print
I search for the name of a favorite writer
or the name of
that beautiful blossom
I consider the fact that my father never reached this age
I celebrate
that I am here.
that I feel well despite two bouts of cancer
that I no longer hesitate before striking up a conversation
with a stranger
that I am still writing--even some stuff that’s pretty good
that I take time every morning to check in with myself, the world, the birds
that, though I have lost many friends, the circle keeps wideningthat I still challenge myself to try things I thought I couldn’t do
like dancing or traveling to France by myself.
Yes, I am growing old
But I'm still growing!
