Bye-Bye Wise Baby, Hello Old Man
You turn 30
And you say:
I became old today.
So I wish you
Happy Birthday,
Elder.
The past year and some
Seen you listen watchful welcome
Glittering open eyes quick speaking pens
Practice patience, shave your head
Push your boundaries
muddy your knees
making space
in this sacred place
Step softly
Take exception
Dance with maniacal whimsied expression
Straddle lines
between youth and time
Make their words your work
Shine
Lay fears
your own and theirs
You’re passing fast those 30 baby years.
And so I wish you
Welcome, Teacher.
Happy Birthday, Elder.
And 2035, the 10th of December
(If I remember)
When we are 60 and 63 I might write you to say,
Can you believe you thought yourself old that day?
And you’ll spontaneously lay out lines hella moving and clever
And I’ll shake my head and say,
Happy Birthday, Elder.
