Thirty-Five Years

 Behind you lies thirty-four years

Of happiness and pain

Of struggles and excitement

The endless parade of things to do

And pit-stops for refreshment.

Far and few in between,

But each step secure in its direction.

You are walking far, far,

As far as the star-lined pavement

Can take your heart and butterfly dreams.

In front of you lies miles and miles

Of unpaved yellow roads,

Roads not taken,

Roads not yet there,

And roads full of love and regrets.

Still, hold your head up high

And fly, run, walk,

Whatever you need to find

And touch those dreams

You've always kept in your heart.

Today, take a while to remember

All the good things that passed by,

All the bad things that made you cry.

Let your heart ache and rejoice

For a while--just a little while.

It is one of those rare times

When you can look back 

And look ahead.

Plan your steps based on your regrets,

On your shining thirty fifth year.

R.M. 2021.07.12

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