“42” 🎂

by Shelly Moore Caron

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February 9th brings many things.

Forty-two years ago my mother birthed me.

I came into this world; forfeiting my wings.

On my 17th bday it was a warm 75 degrees.  

This year, however, I’m watching heavy snow fall on trees. 

I’m beyond grateful for all that I have received.

The good and the bad and all in-between.

It continues to mold me into who I’m to be.

Eccentric and sharp, empathetic and free.

Outspoken but kind; not for everybody.

I love my animals, my home, and my family.

I’m surrounded today by those who love me.

Whether two, three, or four-legged, they all accept me.

How lucky I am to have such a thing.

Waves of gratitude continue to flood me.

I picked out a lemon bundt cake with black poppy seeds.

Later, we’ll top it with candles as they sing to me.

I’m still not quite sure what life is supposed to be.

I’ll keep reading my books and absorbing insatiably.

As far as sage wisdom stored inside me,

What I’ll share is – I don’t think anyone actually knows what we’re doing. 

We all essentially fake it to make it or die trying.

Which is fine because time is an elusive, greedy thief. 

It’s true you get what you give, just not the way some might think.

Everything is energy; a constant give and receive.

What you think, you create, whether ugly or pretty.

Don’t surface think; always strive to dive deep.

You can change your entire life with the foods that you eat.

There’s always a second choice, no matter how bleak.

There’s no wrong choice, simply a timeline varied.

We all carry inside the ever-elusive God gene.

I hate social media, it’s destroying our teens.

When we feel all alone, remember nature is everything.

There’s inherent wisdom blowing through the leaves on those trees.

There’s intelligence and consciousness in everything you see.

Take nothing for granted, not a pebble nor leaf.

Inhale and exhale to provide deep relief.  

Storms will come, as they do, but don’t fear what they bring.

Stand with your feet planted firm; pretend you’re a tree.

Keep learning and searching and developing-

The moment you stop is the moment living will cease.

Keep your opinions fluid as well as your beliefs.

Embrace the hard times like an old friend you can’t wait to see.

They are why we’re here; the lessons they teach.

In order to deepen and grow, strife is what you need-

Open a room in your heart and allow it to be. 

Know that death isn’t an end, but a new state of being.

I’ll keep on keeping on until the day comes for me,

When it’s time to sprout wings again and fly away free. 

The snow keeps falling, it feels like it’s just for me.

I can’t wait to see what happens between now and 43.

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