Birthday 59

Oh 59, here you come.
60 soon will be the sum.
I am here to be a chum,
And help along the way.

Yet another year you've made.
Another year of dues you've paid.
Aren't you glad the course you stayed.
You always had your say.

At 59 you've earned the right,
To possess the gift of clear insight.
Knowing right is not in might.
Reason winning out.

Still teach lessons to the young.
Help them sing what can be sung.
Ease the pain when they get stung.
Experience need not shout.

59 is not the age,
To see ourselves inside a cage,
Or work ourselves into a rage.
Too dignified for that.

Nor is it time for slowing.
It's another chance for showing,
That age can get you going,
And lift you off the mat.

So as you look at 59,
Approaching 60 will be just fine.
No matter what, I'll call you mine.
I'm grateful it is so.

Enjoy the last of 5 decades.
Reflect on all the past parades.
Look ahead to strolls on old arcades,
As we watch the rivers flow.