Sometimes forever comes later
The ember lit in unexpected places, like hockey dressing rooms
Where spilled Pilsner and past glory
mingle to overpower the senses
And music that is soon out of style
drives the hips
But forever comes with no instructions
The sandcastles of early years, built too close to the rising tide,
are washed away
And only when the waterlogged, scattered granules are revealed
Do we know that our next castle must be built of sturdier stuff
And painted blue and gold
Though truly finished only on the last day
The joy comes in the artistry of the build
With materials at 60 not the same as those of 38
Weaker and chipped along the edges
But somehow stronger still,
Able to withstand even a November nor’easter
Its rooms are warm, holding the tales of dreams made real
And the promise of those yet to come
Of forever: well-formed, created and creating
The stones will eventually crumble and the archways fall in on themselves
But the ineffable bonds of love nurtured within, though later coming,
Will resonate for generations to come
Happy 60th birthday, My Love
Dreams really do come true