Milestone

Approaching a milestone-type birthday
Is reason for inner reflection;
A decade has passed since the last one,
Providing grist for introspection.

We think of the years that have vanished
And marvel at what has transpired:
We’re older, of course; in addition,
We might have divorced or retired.

Perhaps we’ve gained weight or switched houses,
Expanded horizons and traveled;
Discovered and nurtured new friendships,
And watched as some others unraveled.

Our license to drive has expired.
We must have a new photo taken;
And when we compare the two pictures,
The difference may leave us quite shaken.

Yet still as we ponder the changes,
We realize that life overflows
With many more doors we can open,
Replacing the ones we must close.

For time is elastic and therefore,
We know not how long it can stretch;
So we should enjoy every birthday
And not waste a moment to kvetch.

So here’s to the birthday partakers!
Those milestones deserve celebration.
How many are left we’re not sure of,
But we’ll whoop it up for the duration.