Birthday Reflections Poem by Jim Boone

Today I have been a Jim Boone
for forty two years, while
most think I am 20-something.

As usual, I have mixed emotions
about being me; I grew up
in a real world that just
wasn’t me, so I survived
in a fantasy world. Actually
I haven’t changed much
in that respect at all.

One thing remains constant:
I am a survivor and will most
likely live to be a lot older
than I ever ‘wanted to’.

I may not be “successful”
dollar wise, but I know
the universe always
has and always will
sustain me, and
quite possibly one day
might bless me
with exceptional funds
to do for others and myself
and literary success.

I am a good friend, sometimes
a friend with benefits
always giving better
than I receive, knowing
I am a hopeless romantic
in a world of one night stands.

I am comfortable with all people
who are comfortable with
themselves. When they
are not, I get uncomfortable
and split.

I regret nothing about the past
for it is gone: broken
promises, amazing
first times – gone.

I am glad that I’m here, although
the times that I am not “glad”
seem to be growing in number.
Got to overcome those notions.

If I am here this same time
next year, I hope I
will still want to
celebrate the fact
that I AM.

Happy Birthday to me! 1979