This is the year time truly catches up
When age becomes an undeniable number
When a gathering of friends and family is customary
And congratulations are in order
Biologically it’s only incremental
Adding another year to all the others
What is just 1.25 percent longer lived
No big difference looked at this way
Though simply becoming an octogenarian
Hardly merits much attention in my view
Not really much of an accomplishment
Still I have much to celebrate
Because I’m doing quite well all in all
Surprising myself stretching out
My personal time horizon beyond 80
Hoping for more good years
Having found my way to be happily paired
As companions who care for each other
With a shared world view and interests
We enjoy each day being together
Even as the wear and tear accumulates
Moving these bones now more carefully
Measuring the impact of each step
With a new appreciation for mobility
Fortunate to have my memories intact
Able to recall a lifetime of people and events
Adding up to the person I am today
As I review my individual history
I have tried to be a good person
Though others will be the judge of that
And hopefully speak of me kindly
On balance when I am gone
