Over the Hill

For: Diane

They say you'll be wrinkled and ugly and gray
They say you can't help it - just happens that way

What once was a twinkle now looks like a stye
I think it's because of bags under your eyes

The waistline just rises (you lose it you see)
Flat hips drop the seat of your pants to your knees

Your hemline will lower (remember - no thighs)
At least it will cover those"Old folk" knee-highs

It saves lots of time when you start to get dressed
There isn't a soul left you care to impress

The kinfolk will gather and won't know your name
'Cause us over forty - we all look the same

The mind will go next but don't fret it they say
I don't think you know it - just happens that way.

Welcome home, baby sister
We know how you feel.
You're "last but not least"
To be over the hill.

Time

Daddy's shadow touched the pages

of a book I read last night.

Mama frowns at me from mirrors

as I smooth my wrinkles out.

Someone else's child is sleeping

in my toddler's bed again,

And I sigh at the reflection

of my daughter's favorite grin.

Now this stranger in my body

goes through motions of my day.

Father Time has paid a visit

while I looked the other way.