Your Years are Precious to Me

Image by Beth Punches via Creative Commons

Let’s consider,
on your birthday —

The years through which you passed,
from the moment it began
in birth —
the cacophony and tumult
as you joined the human race.

The years through which you passed,
seeming fresh and endless,
dashing —
to learn a thousand things so new
it shocked you to discover.

The years through which you passed,
in brilliant burst of adolescence,
staring —
a stranger’s body in your mirror,
as you watched your new self bloom.

The years through which you passed,
a scalding, callous world,
learning —
rock-hard ways for holding onto
your resilient sense of wonder.

The years through which you passed
in timeless cruelties,
fighting —
the world’s best efforts
to press you into harmless clay.