50 (a birthday poem for Janet L.)

50 in mathematics is five groups of ten and zero groups of ones

50 is 1/2 of 100

50, so the "media" tell us, is the new 30

(The men in the "media" obviously never went through "the change.")

You can choose to be 50 years old

You can choose to be 50 years young, or

You can choose to be 50 years wise

50 is younger than 51

So now you are 50 years wiser and 30 years young

50 is smack dab in life's middle

And the second half of the adventure has just begun

You know what you need to do

You know what you want to do

You can now look back to smile and learn from what you've done

This is where wisdom guides your future days in the sun

How long you live is not in your hands

So create enjoyable future plans

You'll need them because with age comes more challenging demands

Such as, what did I come in here for? Where are my keys? Where are my glasses?

Don't worry; You'll forget about them and the anxiety passes

In closing, may I say, be kind to yourself, family, and friends

That kindness will come back to you and it will have been kindness well spent

Happy Birthday Young Lady!