The Steady Ascent Poem by Suzanne Hayasaki

(A reply to Aging As Ascent by Glen Kappy)

I too am climbing
At my own pace
In my own time.
There is no race to wisdom.

I too am trying
In my own way
With my own goals.
There is no finish line to life.

Death, you say, claims us all.
To that I reply, Neither you nor I
Know what Death means.
So I will focus on what I can see now.

I can look back with shame
At my many mistakes.
I can relive the pain.
Or I can focus on what I have gained.

As my youth fades, my compassion grows.
As my confidence shrinks to fit my accomplishments,
My expectations of what love should bring
Become more realistic.

I accept the gray days with grace.
I give thanks for the love I receive
In whatever muted form it is offered.
I find contentment in small triumphs.

Mostly, I accept the shifts, the tremors,
When the ground gives beneath me
Making my way forward tenuous.
I tread lightly, ready to retreat.

I move forward when the path invites me.
I look to the stars for guidance.
I listen for whispers.
I search with my soul.

Nowhere I stand is a mistake.
No road I choose is correct.
No pace is perfect.
No one wins.

But if I forget myself
And look around me
I will see beauty, beauty,
Beauty.