En Atteignant 40. (Translation) . Poem by Michael Walker

Sam Hunt is New Zealand's most well known, entertaining poets, largely because he toured the country from the 1970s on, giving readings of his poems in theatres, pubs (licensed hotels) , and other venues. He has always been committed to 'lifting the words off the page'.
The poem is about turning 40. He likes being a bit older; he can see more clearly why 'everybody has their season'. He can see the shape of the cross which they are carrying. He likes being a little more serious, sadder; and he likes being a comedian, 'the first to fall off the ladder'. Hunt could be very funny onstage.
However, the years have not made him wiser, as most people become.
His legs are weak (he now uses a walking stick) and he is always hitting the road to give his readings. Still does, if less often.