I’ve always liked happy endings,

what others have

called unlikely,

even mushy.

And that’s the way I want to take

my leave, waving

jauntily as

the sweet sun sets.

I want to hallow my many

diminishments

with laughter and

a song of thanks,

Seeing in them an opening

as well as a

closing, a chance

to learn anew.

                                                                                                        JDG