i ticked over fifty-one today
the kids counted one two three yay
and challenged each other to reach my number
took them a minute and a slumber
‘twas watching each number go by
fondling each eternity passing my
blip of time
that is My Big Game
and then angelic haikus from nowhere
took shape through innocent jingles
sprinkled with a healthy dose of earthly wrinkles
humming hallelujahs to heavenly twinkles
so old man, happy birthday to me
who feels twenty one
much silly and young
sporting a few scars to scare the kids
Photo: “How would you separate Waves from the Ocean” @Flinders Ranges, South Australia, April 2023