Giving Thanks in the Autumn of Life

It's not about the perfect meal, nor who wins the game.
And we'll go on gathering years on years,
But no other day will be the same.

We're different people than we were today from yesterday
We can't see it in ourselves
But "nothing gold can stay."

It isn't until we've lost someone that we held very dear
That we can begin to cherish
Friends and family far and near.

The younger folks will view today as one more family chore,
While those of us long in tooth
Ache to live on for one more.

The children play, the parents talk, one eye upon the time
Thoughts of other things to do
They are, after all, in their prime.

So sitting here among them all, I cannot help but smile
I remember how I once hurried through life
No one could convince me to stop and stay awhile.

Today I give thanks for the circle of life, for those that have come before
And for those who are among us still
And pray I am allowed more days like this, more days, many more.

Sources: "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost