0194 At last
At last I’m old enough
old enough not to be
embarrassed when
it happens
it can be when
some athlete stands
and mouths the words of
their national anthem
as the flag waves
or a young musician
makes their first, fresh
debut playing some
often played classic
as if it had never
been played before
or a cloud passes and
the sunlight reaches into
the room and says
look at this crystal vase,
look at this flower
look at this dewdrop
or someone who was anyone
a moment ago
smiles
oh so many so little big things and
my chest heaves, shudders,
and my heart not my eyes
is shaking with tears which
cannot be explained but
only recognised for
whence they come
beyond tears
at last I’m old enough
not to be embarrassed
by this joy
though
I make the excuse
to go into another room
in case
poem by Michael Shepherd
Added by Poetry Lover
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