It's been an interesting year.
Or two, or twenty as a matter of fact.
Things seem to be coming to a head,
Plans change, if you get my drift...

Life didn't turn out as I planned, I fear.
Yet I wouldn't change things, thinking back.
Turning fifty's something people often dread,
From twenty to fifty... a passage so swift.

Aging isn't really what gets your attention.
It's not the years; it truly is the miles.
Mine have been sweet with a touch of dill.
No, not a pickle, but a savory sauce.

Bumps along the way, a few I could mention.
But mostly, I remember the lovely smiles.
Walking through life, not always up hill,
And now reaching bridges I'll need to cross.

Didn't realize there were so many threads.
I've lately been tying up loose ends.
Memories of unresolved moments in time,
Come now to the forefront to be touched.

Like roses neglected in their ancient beds,
The scent of the memories softly ascends,
Of friends and family passed as I made my climb,
It's time to greet what to my heart I clutched.

Hidden away in recesses and nooks.
Tying up loose ends... stamping each letter,
Making each call I earlier postponed,
Closing the books gently on each.

Tying up the loose ends, with quiet looks.
Knowing each moment will only get better.
Sweet memories, gifts from those I have known.
With grateful heart for what they all teach.

I'm tying up loose ends, with family and friends,
Remembering once again, that Love never ends.


Paula Johnson©, June 9, 2001