At 16, I celebrated
my 30th birthday
cavernous and crimson
a well-aged wine
poured from the barrel too soon.
–
At 18, I experienced
my birthday in the depths
a well-washed stone
shaping… molding
and taking the tide as it comes.
–
At 22, I learned
that at 16, 18, at all of those
pivotal moments most wasted
by giving others the keys,
you’ll hydroplane.
–
At 9:12 am, I recognized
that slippery slope
is an inhospitable guest
sliding on carved time,
skating on patience.