for Kathy on her 60th birthday
age is nothing but a number
and, damn, you wear each and every year well
decked in purple and stars
in glitter and black
a dash of pink
like joseph’s coat
but better
because you are a matriarch
a woman to lead
a woman to speak
a woman to project our voices strong
age
is nothing but a number
a creaking of knees
of vertebrae that ache
of stomach acid burning up your throat
of cold sweats and hot flashes
you have touched each cliche
been maiden and mother
and crone has never looked so good as it does on you
you’ve sang so well the songs we need hear
crones have never been more vital
as you are now
open your mouth and speak
and sing
and teach
link arms in strength
your grandchildren learn your voice
and are strong
strong
strong
60 years of heaven and hell
of sending your husband into literal warzones
armed only with his camera
you kept the home fires burning
and spoke
and taught
and loved
and grieved
and loved
you continue to walk in strength and beauty
you are the gift to so many
kathy
thank you for being a woman i admire
thank you for being