Acceptance

At the moment of celebration

Convention urges me to review the traversed track,

To indulge my wins, count the medals

But my heart whispers “there is no looking back!”

With the passage of time

the burden of wisdom grows on my shoulder

Yet I feel the impulse to shrug it

all off and go forth anew and bolder

“Time to slow down, take it easy and enjoy!”

my friends advise, "that's what you deserve!"

I smile at my foolishness and dare not disclose

to them my secret urge to fall in love!

I watch the colors of the seasons

Feel the shivers of the distant wind they'd bring

But I take heart in the nature’s song that

Autumn and winter are followed by Spring!

I gratefully receive your wishes O friends

But I favor the perils of adventure and renewal

I reject the tyranny of age and time, and

Resolve to flirt with the devil long as I am able!

Note: At certain milestones in life, one is tempted to sit back and revel in the accomplishments of the past. Friends offer similar advice. The poem offers an alternative: to continue living life fully with adventure in your heart. “Acceptance” is of the transition to this bold future.

Abhay B. Joshi