Vision

The empyrean view from the bluff

Shows endless inland sea

And clouds spotted with gulls.

Our future spreads as wide and clear

At twenty.

Out of focus but searingly blue in the sunshine.

At fifty-six the traps sprung and truths unmasked

The sky darkened by fog

Like wisps of grey hair and sadness,

The view more finite.

Who could have predicted

The betrayal,

The joy of laughter and comfort,

The boundless love reflected in innocent eyes,

The pain in tears and the embraces,

The shaking fear and fullness of gratitude,

The beauty of this world?