TODAY

​I am fifty
and
learning
what is possible.
 
The hours
are now
more precious;
there are
less to spend
and
I know what’s already
been purchased.
 
My sons
have their allowance
and lessons enough
for their first
five decades.
Beyond that
I, too, am
a novitiate.
 
What books to read,
what science to do,
what thoughts to think
and with whom,
become
conscious
choices.
 
Whatever the cost,
I want
to go out
knowing
that my
soul
has burned brightly
enough
to leave
no trace
of the candle’s
wax.
 
10-21-88