Half-past Wondering

The clock climbs over

curves of a year

too quickly

closing the window of fantasy

a little farther

with every added candle

…pushing Future to Past

in shortcuts

it seems.

Dreams

follow the sky

that has fallen over her dusk

nigh fifty years

its dust stoking the light in her eyes

occasionally

or

is it tears?

Once upon a time

air was enough

to lure her to life’s dance-floor,

tossing caution to tomorrow

tipping the glass of freedom

daring to drink

too much

…no regrets

Bests have humbled her.

Tests have taught her.

Stumbles and fumbles

her legacy

as she reaches for the sky

and learns to fly.

Perhaps

she has never been wooed

completely

but she has been loved

and blessed

…her heart broken

Once

© Janet Martin