winter is coming
it's right around
the corner
my 70th year is
also right around
the corner

the one
that is the winter
I approach
with some
degree
of dread

but the other even with
my disablities
even with the pain
I'm looking forward to
with anticipation
with renewed optimism

I have weathered
both many winters
and many years
but the winter
I still dread
but not the years

there are still
things to learn
wisdom to be gained
maybe also
wisdom and learning
to be shared

so I'll bundle up
I will face the winter
again, with dread
but the birthday
I will look forward to
with anticipation