at 21 I looked into
a bright blue cloud filled sky
and marveled
at the profound beauty
at 31 I looked into
my young son’s
brilliant eyes
and marveled still
at 41 I looked at
the future
believing
I was still young
at 51 I started
to avert my gaze
hesitant to look
as I began to hurt
at 61 I am embarrassed
to live
in such a greedy country
and I marvel
at how small we are
all of us
collectively
pathetically
looking for meaning
when perhaps
there is little to be found
outside of bright eyes
and blue skies