Another Step, Another Stage

Another Step, Another Stage

As long as there are those who love me,
and the sun still shines above me,
I won't worry about my age.
It's just another step, another stage.
Quite clearly, this is how it's supposed to be.

My knees can no longer be trusted.
My dreams? They need to be dusted.
My joints are achy.
My hands are shaky.
Like the Tin Man, I fear I have rusted.

Still, I have a stack of books to read,
and there's hot tea in my cup--what more do I need?
There's music to listen to and art to create,
so what do I care if the hour grows late?

I miss the days of feeling bold and sure.
My insignificance grows the more I mature.
I swear I am still young inside,
and I do try to take aging in stride,
but being a grownup has lost its allure.

As long as there are those who love me,
and the sun still shines above me,
I won't worry about my age.
It's just another step, another stage.
Quite clearly, this is how it's supposed to be.

A Closer Look

A Closer Look

I walked along the flower trail,

finding joy in each detail.
I was the only one around,

(I thought),

but then I heard a buzzing sound.
After taking a closer look,

let me tell you what I found!

Two bees danced around the morning glories

and another around the daisies.

Black-eyed Susans were quite an attraction
to lightning bug ...

and spider action...

and to an inchworm measuring, measuring 
fraction by fraction.

A wee, green bug perched on a purple petal...

while a beetle with spots 

chose orange 

as the place to settle.

A green and black 

dragonfly fellow

stood out clear and bold 

against his choice of yellow,

but his brother nearby 

could barely be seen

hiding in plain sight 

against the green.

A Mourning Cloak 

with ragged wings 

lit on a plain leaf nearby

while against the glory of a lily 

lounged a common housefly.

All of them among the flowers:

 butterfly, beetle, and bee

add to the details that delight me

 and make for good company.