After seventy-five years

of growth opportunities,

I’m tired out.

Some I’ve seized

and some I have not. 

For the moment I’d like

to put them on the shelf

with a promise

to use them before

 the expiration date.

                                                              JDG

How many times must I reset

my habitual, non-productive ways?

Fatigued family members suggest,

“Try infinity plus one.”

                                                                        JDG

Where do I take my children

when no one will take us in,

when the Statue of Liberty’s

message is not meant for me,

Where do I go when

so many are silent

as the worst close the door?

                                                                  JDG

I’m an old-timer now

in my neighborhood

and in my life. 

Just yesterday, I was

the new kid on the block

with a lot to learn.

In the midst of all that’s changed,

that has remained the same.

                                                                                   JDG

Two eye-rolling years later,

my granddaughter finally read

 the books I gave her on graduation day,

said she wished she’d read them sooner,  

said they would have helped a lot.

 Her words brought a pleased smile,  

her acknowledgement, sweet tears.

                                                                                    JDG

We can’t see

either the forest

or the trees

when our thoughts

have lured us

into deserts

of our own making.

                                              JDG