22 and Finding:
(A Birthday Poem
for Stephanie)
Stephanie tears the caul anew
on the way to another year.
The world pushes towards her.
She rushes to meet it
with the verve of an old soul
on a beloved journey.
Her gathered what and who
binds her dearer to life.
As own teacher,
she is frequently lost
in the finding.
Forces gather about her.
She peers out windows
into the beckoning dark
or hints of what is to come.
Her reflection peers back.
It is the only
clue she needs.