Rhyming at 72

Suddenly I realize that one day soon it will be late
for cycling, diving, hiking, skiing -- visibly I near the gate.
As decades pass, I like to think I can at will prolong
the zeal, that precious sense of awe that keeps us strangely young.
There is still much to learn ... I greet the sunrise everyday,
and know that what I've danced, no one can take away.

As adolescent I had far-flung plans and dreams,
which I pursued audaciously with holy and unholy schemes.
I grew from innocence to weathered equanimity,
and rowed the boat through straits and rapids consciously--
I paddled upstream, downstream, won some, lost some,
always ready to restart. -- a jovial rule of thumb.

Our life is instinct, purpose and capricious wit.
Old maxims teach us: "bene vixit, qui bene latuit",
"dies diem docet" "μηδὲν ἄγαν", "bis dat, qui cito dat",
"vanitas vanitatis","memento mori…", “sapienti sat”.
Yes,  "better late than never",  " live and let live",
"sapere aude!", "human is to err -- divine is to forgive".

For Bach, Beethoven, Brahms -- my better half and I take time.
For tulips, roses, daffodils -- we always find a genial rhyme.
We sure indulge in nature's bounties: almonds, hazelnuts,
asparagus, boletus, artichokes -- sweet berries, cherries, apricots.
With sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and mint we tempt our appetite.
With vintage wines and Limoncello we complete the vital rite.

Peace be to all!  Seventy-two is worth a modest celebration,
time to humour family and friends in honest jubilation,
thanking Providence for conjugal embraces,
rich kaleidoscope of memories and graces.
Now we are, we love, we laugh, we sing, we pray.
Tomorrow we shall count the blessings of today.

(written while cycling from Noordwijk ann Zee to Geneva, 1205 km, 6 countries -- 18 days, left N. on Monday 20 May, arrived G. Thursday 6 June 2019)