Red with a Touch of Sulfur

Isn't it funny

when suddenly after all these decades

you notice a new part of your body.

 

Maybe the hamstrings—

entirely unused when lifting weights,

back used instead

which then pains for years.

 

Maybe the slight shoulder raise

that tightens those muscles

maybe for good.

 

I notice my body

slide through time.

It is odd and peculiar,

genius of no one,

a perfect clock

making clocks

look simple.

 

Newness comes naturally.

Resisting it causes the past

to present memories on yellow

platters.

 

My age is a number.

Bones getting ready to play poker.

I will remain a small book

hidden away deep

in the library.

 

I love my body and this world!

Such a declaration

five years ago

would've driven me insane.

 

But now an appreciation arrives

with a fine taste of sulfur

and anywhere I look is born

a rose.