For Carol

on her 80^th birthday

It isn’t veneration 

But bright delight that you inspire

For how you step forth, new

Taking in each day

with readiness

to grow, to learn, to shine

to let yourself, repeatedly

be re-imagined

New-formed like every wave that greets the shore

And for the ageless, trusting innocence

with which you ride that wave

(of you)

Coursing down the crest

of all that you’re becoming

In the surging, swift aliveness 

that affirms you

You remind us

We can jump into that life

and surf with you.

©Wendy Mulhern

December 12, 2012